Monument-Bust Dedicated to Aliya Moldagulova, Hero of the Soviet Union

Historical Background: Aliya Nurmukhambetovna Moldagulova was a heroic daughter of the Kazakh people, a participant in the Great Patriotic War and a Hero of the Soviet Union. She was born in June 1925, according to the most widely used data on 15 June, in Bulak village of the Kobda district, Aktobe Region. Some sources mention different dates of birth.

Despite the hardships of her early life, Aliya became a lasting symbol of courage, resilience and devotion to her homeland. During the war, she trained at a sniper school and went to the front. In January 1944, she was killed heroically in battle in the Pskov Region. On 4 June 1944, Aliya Moldagulova was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union and was also decorated with the Order of Lenin.

Her name holds a special place not only in the history of the Aktobe Region, but also in the national memory of Kazakhstan. Aliya Moldagulova’s image has become a symbol of heroism, patriotism and moral strength.

Description of the Monument: The monument-bust dedicated to Aliya Moldagulova was installed in 1960 in Aktobe, on Z. Sherniyaz Street. It is an architectural and sculptural composition placed on a rectangular granite stylobate measuring 3.3 m by 3.3 m.

At the centre of the composition rises a four-sided trapezoidal pedestal, 2.6 m high and 0.6 m wide. A 1.3 m high bust of the heroine is placed on the pedestal. Aliya is depicted in a military tunic and pilotka cap. The Hero of the Soviet Union insignia on her chest emphasises her military bravery and historical significance.

The artistic solution of the bust conveys the composure, inner strength and calm determination of the young frontline soldier. Its restrained and solemn composition presents Aliya as a powerful symbol of heroic memory.

Historical and Cultural Significance: This monument is one of the oldest memorial sites in Aktobe dedicated to Aliya Moldagulova. It occupies an important place in the city’s historical and cultural landscape and serves as a visible sign of grateful remembrance of the young heroine’s feat.

The monument has both memorial and educational value. It reminds residents and visitors of the contribution of Kazakhstanis to Victory, the price of peace and the importance of patriotic education. Its inclusion in the State List of Historical and Cultural Monuments of National Significance confirms its value not only for the region, but for the entire country.

Did You Know?

The Regional Memorial Museum of Aliya Moldagulova, Hero of the Soviet Union, was opened in Aktobe in 1985, on the eve of the 40th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the 60th anniversary of the heroine’s birth. Today, the museum is an important educational and research centre dedicated to Aliya Moldagulova’s life, heroism and memory.

The museum collection includes valuable documents, photographs, copies of wartime letters, military-period materials and exhibits connected with the commemoration of Aliya’s name. For this reason, museum materials were used as the main and most relevant source in preparing the information about this monument.

In 2025, the 100th anniversary of Aliya Moldagulova’s birth was widely commemorated in Aktobe Region and in her native Kobda district. Historical and patriotic forums, cultural meetings, exhibitions, lectures and youth-oriented educational events were held as part of the anniversary programme. These events once again demonstrated that Aliya’s name continues to live in the memory of new generations.

Read More

1. Reference album of the Regional Memorial Museum of Aliya Moldagulova, Hero of the Soviet Union. Material about Aliya Moldagulova’s life, heroism, museums, monuments and sites named in her honour
2. Adilet Legal Information System of the Republic of Kazakhstan. State List of Historical and Cultural Monuments of National Significance
3. Aktobe newspaper. Material about Aliya Moldagulova’s legacy, museum and monuments in the Aktobe Region
4. 24.kz. Material about events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Aliya Moldagulova in Aktobe Region
5. Official website of the Akimat of Aktobe Region. Material about the flower-laying ceremony at Aliya Moldagulova’s bust