Turmush spoke with Urmatbek Albanov, who is the village elder and actively participates in community life. He has been observing the fast during the month of Orozo for 41 years.
Urmatbek began his fasting practice in 1985 when he worked as an agronomist in the Soviet Union. Today, he is focused on the development of his village and community activities. “I have been fasting since 1985. Previously, I worked as an agronomist, and now I organize events together with other elders,” he shares.
According to the elder, there has been an increase in religious activity among the residents in recent years. Frunze has about 6,000 inhabitants, and the local mosque can no longer accommodate everyone wishing to attend the festive prayers.
For the morning prayer, such a large number of people gathers that they fill not only the mosque itself but also the surrounding yards and gardens. In the last 5-6 years, the mosque has been hosting collective dinners (ooz achar) for those who are fasting every day. The number of those wishing to organize iftar has grown so much that a line forms long before the start of the month. Those who do not manage to secure a day for iftar band together in groups of 4-5 families for a joint celebration.
This year, the village of Frunze has the honor of hosting the Nowruz celebration for the entire Manas Aiyl district. Currently, the locals are actively preparing for the holiday, even working at night. “Our Aiyl district consists of 8 villages. Tomorrow everyone will gather in Frunze to celebrate the arrival of spring together,” adds Albanov.
Urmatbek Albanov is the father of two sons and two daughters, as well as a proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren.
