Local residents claim that this tree, planted over 200 years ago, has its own special history. This giant stands on the border between the villages of Molo and Sirt and still provides shade and coolness to travelers.
According to Yrasbay Ajimatov, a local historian and teacher, these lands were once barren and treeless. At that time, there was no transportation, and travelers had neither facilities for rest nor benches.
“The tree was planted about two centuries ago by the respected elder Alymkul. Over time, it became an important shelter for travelers from the bright sun, where they could rest and regain their strength. To this day, this tree remains a symbol of our village, its center,” he noted.
Ajimatov pointed out that the history of the tree is also connected to Alymkul's grandson — the wrestler Japirali.
“He was known throughout the Fergana Valley as a strongman. From a young age, Japirali participated in matches in Kokand. In those days, winners were awarded bread and food. According to people's memories, Japirali would give the prizes he earned to orphans and the poor.
Legends tell that Japirali the hero could stop a galloping horse by grabbing its tail.
Folklore about Japirali the hero also speaks of his bravery. According to one legend, he once encountered a wolf and managed to defeat the predator not with a weapon, but in hand-to-hand combat, proving his strength and courage,” he added.
Today, the two-century-old tree continues to live, preserving the memory of ancestors and the legend of Japirali the hero. For the residents of Molo, it is not just a tree, but a symbol of resilience, generosity, and strength.
