- Apendi is a legendary character from Kyrgyz tales, known for his cunning and wit.
According to Mirgul, when people first hear her last name, they usually look puzzled and think she is joking.
She shared the origin of her surname:
“In my paternal grandfather's family, all the infants died. However, when he was born, the ‘azan’ was recited for him, and he was given the name Abdilashim. Later, according to Kyrgyz traditions, the name was changed to Apendi. My grandfather passed away in 1945, and all the grandchildren carry the surname Apendiev/a in his honor. We did not change the surname,” she explained.
Mirgul Apendieva
// Turmush
Mirgul noted that in university, her surname helped her stand out to the teachers.
“Teachers often did not say my surname aloud and just used my initials — M. A.,” she added.
Her husband also initially struggled to get used to Mirgul's unusual surname, but over time, his relatives accepted it.
“I am naturally a cheerful person, I love to joke and entertain those around me. I often tell jokes about Apendi. When someone doesn’t know my surname, they ask why I mention this character from the tales so often. I reply that I am his granddaughter,” she shared.
Mirgul also recounted a funny incident involving her older brother:
“Once he was talking to some girls and asked them, ‘Do you know who Apendi is?’ The girls started giving various answers. To which my brother replied, ‘Apendi is me,’ and showed his passport,” she said.
