Look straight ahead for two tall bronze statues of young women in military uniform, striding side by side atop a reddish granite base-behind them rises a dramatic white and brown obelisk, crowned by a globe with children and birds reaching toward the sky.
Welcome, adventurer! Right in front of you stands one of Almaty’s most powerful landmarks-these aren't just statues, they’re living memories cast in bronze of two real-life superheroes: Aliya Moldagulova and Manshuk Mametova. They’re forever mid-march, uniforms crisp, heads high, and a spirit so strong you’ll almost expect them to step down and ask for your marching orders! Behind them, that impressive obelisk of white marble and brown granite seems to poke right into the clouds, topped by a globe and children setting birds free-like hope lifting off after the storm.
Let’s rewind the clock and meet these remarkable women. Picture the chaos and bravery of the Second World War: while most teenagers were worrying about getting through school, Manshuk Mametova and Aliya Moldagulova were volunteering for the frontlines. Manshuk, born in 1922, was juggling university studies at the Medical Institute and a job with the Kazakh SSR’s Council. Then, at just twenty, she swapped textbooks for a machine gun, joining the army and fighting bravely with the 21st Infantry Division. As a senior sergeant and a machine gun commander, Manshuk’s courage blazed brightest during a battle in the town of Nevel. Even when surrounded and under fire, she held her ground-her story ended that day in 1943, but her memory marched on, earning her the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Her name lives on in Almaty’s streets, a glacier, and even a mountain peak, proving her spirit reached new heights.
Now, shift your gaze to Aliya, born just three years later in a small Kazakh village. Orphaned early, she moved from Almaty to Moscow, and finally to Leningrad-her childhood marked by tough breaks and big cities. But hardship built her spirit, and soon, at just eighteen, Aliya graduated sniper school and volunteered for battle. She became a legend in the 54th Rifle Brigade, helping push the front near Pskov in west Russia, her aim so sharp that even seasoned soldiers took notice. In 1944, her bravery was cut short, but Aliya was awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union and the Order of Lenin-her heroism brighter than a sniper’s scope.
Back to the present, take a closer look at the base of the monument: you’ll spot the gleaming golden stars and the names “Әлия” and “Мәншүк” inscribed in Kazakh. That’s a big hint to their heroic status. And that swirling sculpture behind them? It’s not just decoration. The bronze globe and joyful children with doves tell a hopeful story: after war, peace must soar.
It took a whole team of artists and architects to capture such spirit: sculptor Satybaldin Kazhybek Kazhikenovich and friends worked their magic, under the guidance of Baimagambetov, to make sure this wasn’t just a monument-it was a masterpiece.
The memorial opened with great fanfare in October 1997, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev himself in attendance, joined by veterans, soldiers, and schoolkids. Since 2001, this place has been protected as an important historical and architectural monument, though, believe it or not, even heroes face modern nuisances-there’s been some controversy with a new café popping up in the park, but that’s a tale for another day (and yes, it’s raised quite a few eyebrows!).
So, as you stand facing these bronze figures-one holding her rifle, both ready for whatever comes next-imagine the freezing mud of the frontlines, and the thunder of artillery replaced, now, by the hush of this city park. Aliya and Manshuk never asked to be legends, but here they are: shoulder to shoulder, symbols of courage, sisterhood, and peace-reminding us that every step forward is built on the bravery of those who came before. Now, are you feeling inspired yet… or just ready to join the parade?
