Monument to Aqqagaz Doszhanova

Historical background: Aqqagaz Doszhanova was one of the first Kazakh women doctors, a public figure and an important name in the history of Kazakh medicine in the early twentieth century. She was born in 1893 in the Burti volost of Aktobe uyezd, Turgai region.

In 1914, Aqqagaz Doszhanova graduated from the women’s gymnasium in Orenburg and entered the medical faculty of the Higher Women’s Courses in Moscow. In 1917, she took part as a delegate in the All-Russian Muslim Congress held in Moscow, which shows her active public position.

Later, she graduated from the medical faculty of the Turkestan People’s University in Tashkent and became a doctor. In her professional work, Aqqagaz Doszhanova paid special attention to maternal and child health, the prevention of infectious diseases and medical education among the population. In 1928–1929, she worked as a doctor in a women’s maternity hospital in Tashkent.

Despite her short life, Aqqagaz Doszhanova became a symbol of Kazakh women’s pursuit of education, professional achievement and public service. She died in 1932 at the age of 39.

Opening of the monument: The monument to Aqqagaz Doszhanova was solemnly opened on 17 June 2016 in Aktobe. The ceremony was held on the eve of Medical Worker’s Day and became an important cultural and historical event dedicated to the memory of one of the first Kazakh women doctors.

The opening ceremony was attended by the then Akim of Aktobe Region, Berdibek Saparbayev, Vice Minister of Healthcare and Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan Svetlana Zhakupova, veterans of the medical sector, university representatives, city residents, students and descendants of Aqqagaz Doszhanova.

During the ceremony, special attention was given to Aqqagaz Doszhanova’s contribution to the development of Kazakh medicine, women’s professional education and public life.

Description of the monument: The monument to Aqqagaz Doszhanova is cast in bronze, while the pedestal is made of solid granite. A medical symbol is depicted on the pedestal. Below it, there is a plaque with Aqqagaz Doszhanova’s name and years of life.

The base of the monument measures 1.64 by 1.64 metres. The pedestal measures 71 by 71 centimetres. The total height of the sculpture together with the pedestal is 3.9 metres.

Sculptor: Zhenis Zhubankosov.

Cultural and historical significance: The monument to Aqqagaz Doszhanova is an important monumental object in the cultural space of Aktobe. It brings together the memory of medical history, women’s education and the idea of social renewal.

This monument highlights the historical importance of Kazakh women entering professional fields, especially medicine. Aqqagaz Doszhanova’s life path is an example of striving for knowledge, serving the people and taking responsibility for public health during a difficult period of history.

The location of the monument on the territory of a medical university has deep symbolic meaning. It reminds future doctors of professional integrity, humanity, responsibility for human life and service to society through knowledge.

Why is this monument important?

This monument represents not only the personality of Aqqagaz Doszhanova, but also the historical path of Kazakh women toward education, science, medicine and public activity.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, higher education for Kazakh girls was rare. Therefore, Aqqagaz Doszhanova’s decision to become a doctor was not only a personal achievement, but also a clear sign of national renewal.

The monument promotes the values of professionalism, compassion, responsibility and public service, especially among young people and medical students.

What should visitors notice?

First, pay attention to the calm and composed image of the sculpture. It reflects the restraint, inner culture and responsibility associated with the medical profession.

The medical symbol on the pedestal points to the main mission of her life — medical service. It emphasises that the monument is dedicated not only to a historical figure, but also to the humanitarian mission of medicine.

The combination of the bronze sculpture and granite pedestal symbolises Aqqagaz Doszhanova’s lasting place in historical memory, while its location near the medical university represents continuity between education and professional tradition.

Did you know?

Aqqagaz Doszhanova is considered one of the first Kazakh women doctors.In 1917, she participated as a delegate in the Muslim Congress in Moscow.

She paid special attention to maternal and child health, prevention of infectious diseases and medical education for the public.

In 2016, a monument to her was opened in Aktobe on the street named after her.The monument is included in the state list of monuments of history and culture of local significance.
Read more:

1. Adilet. State list of monuments of history and culture of local significance in Aktobe Region.
2. Aqtobe Newspaper. A street named after Aqqagaz Doszhanova in Aktobe.
3. Kazinform. A street in Aktobe was named after the first Kazakh woman doctor.
4. AQTOBE TV. A monument to the first Kazakh woman doctor A. Doszhanova was installed.
5. Shakarim Journal of History. The first woman doctor from Western Kazakhstan — Aqqagaz Doszhanova.