“My father held a position as a party official, and after the collapse of the Soviet Union, he became a metalworker. In our family, there are 14 children. I was born the ninth girl, and to express hope for the birth of a son, my parents named me ‘Taaryndyk,’ which translates to ‘Offended.’ This was done according to the ancient tradition of ‘yrym,’ which implies performing rituals with good intentions. As a result, after me, two twin sons and five more boys were born. I have never thought about changing my name, as it is special to me and was given during the ‘azan,’” she shared.
According to Asanalieva, her family calls her “Taken.”
“Many ask why I have such a name. I gladly tell them the story associated with it,” Taaryndyk added.
She also mentioned that after getting married, she changed her surname.
“At first, I was Zhumasheva Taaryndyk. After marriage, I took my husband’s surname and became Asanalieva. During my working years, I was a milkmaid and a postwoman. My husband and I have five children and 11 grandchildren,” the woman recounted.
In retirement, she began engaging in handicrafts, which she learned from her mother.
“My mother is now 93 years old; she is a true master. I helped her since childhood and learned a lot. My works have won prizes at exhibitions in our district. People traveling abroad order traditional felt pot holders ‘tutkuch,’ teapot stands, and other ethnic-style products from me. I also create dowries for brides. One of my daughters has also taken up handicrafts, and one of my sons followed in his grandfather's footsteps and became a metalworker. And my daughter-in-law, who is Dungan by nationality, also strives to learn from me,” Taaryndyk shared her successes.
