The preservation of historical truth about the Great Patriotic War remains a central theme both in academic circles and in public consciousness. In Kyrgyzstan, despite the decrease in the number of researchers compared to the Soviet era, work continues. Teachers and scholars study archival materials, rely on foundational works, and strive to protect the youth from distortions caused by modern information flows. Nuriza Kadyralieva, an associate professor at the Department of History of Kyrgyzstan at the Institute of History and Regional Studies of the Jussup Balasagyn Kyrgyz National University, shared her opinion with VB.KG on the role of historians, changes in the perception of the war among the youth, issues of distortions, and personal stories that continue to remind us of the cost of victory.
- How do you assess the current state of research on the Great Patriotic War in Kyrgyzstan?
- During the Soviet period, the topic of the war was actively studied, with the establishment of scientific schools, publication of books, and archival collections. However, with the acquisition of independence, the number of researchers decreased, although work continued. Among the significant figures, we can highlight Suyun Kerimbaev, Orozbek Sagynbaev, and Jorobekov Turatbek Jorobekovich. Narynbek Alymkulov, whose work on the war was published posthumously in 2025, also made a significant contribution by presenting the latest available data.
Such researchers create an important scientific basis, maintaining objectivity and avoiding political manipulation. In conditions where the information space becomes increasingly aggressive, the value of such works only grows.
Without systematic research, a gap may arise between real events and how they are perceived by the youth.
- You mentioned changes in the perception of the war among the youth. What exactly do you observe?
- This has become particularly noticeable in recent years. The youth live in a digital world where information is obtained from social networks, forums, and videos. Sometimes one can hear claims that the participation of the peoples of Central Asia in the war was "optional," or that the citizens of the republic should not have fought for "a foreign state." These are serious distortions arising from a lack of deep knowledge.
Gradually, the generation of teachers who grew up in the Soviet era, who passed on stories from the elders, personal family histories, and respect for veterans to children, is fading away. Today's youth live in a completely different cultural environment, characterized by a desire for speed and superficial discussions, which contributes to the spread of distorted opinions.
Sometimes students engage in disputes online based on the opinions of "armchair experts" who lack sufficient knowledge but are confident in their correctness. Our task as educators is to shield students from such interpretations and guide them back to primary sources and research.
- What key facts about Kyrgyzstan's contribution to the war do you consider most significant?
- It is important to understand that Kyrgyzstan was part of a unified state, and participation in the war was conscious and patriotic. In the first days of the war, 270 applications from volunteers were submitted to the Frunze military enlistment office. A total of about 360,000 people were drafted from the republic. We also have 76 Heroes of the Soviet Union, about 150,000 awarded with medals and orders, and 21 holders of the Order of Glory of three degrees.
The feats of such individuals as Cholponbay Tuleberdiev, fighters of the 316th Rifle Division, Duyshenkul Shopokov, Ivan Panfilov, Dair Asanov, Nikolai Dmitriev, and Ismailbek Taranchiev beautifully illustrate the true patriotism of Kyrgyzstanis at the front. Additionally, 1,395 women went to the front, contributing to Victory as nurses, snipers, and radio operators. For example, Captain of the Medical Service Rafa Aydarbekova performed about 800 operations.
– Why do you think it is important to preserve the memory of the war?
- Understanding the scale of these events helps to assess the modern world. Many countries today are in a tense political situation. Important decisions are made by leaders who have no personal experience of war and its consequences. The generations that experienced the war knew that peace is a fragile phenomenon and must be guarded by all possible means, including diplomacy.
If the youth do not realize what war is, they can easily succumb to radical opinions and provocations. Our task is to explain that war is a tragedy for millions of people, with broken families and fates that cannot be restored. It is labor, pain, and sacrifice. Only in this way can a conscious attitude toward peace be formed.
– What sources do you rely on in your work?
- I rely on fundamental research by Kyrgyz historians and archival materials. For example, in 2025, the Archive Service published a large collection dedicated to the defense industry during the war, which represents an important basis. In universities, we use textbooks where facts are presented briefly and objectively. However, we understand that the youth still turn to the internet, and we teach them to work with primary sources, verify information, and not trust unverified opinions.
– You have a personal connection to the topic of the war. Can you tell us about it?
- Yes, this is a very personal topic for me. My grandfather participated in the war and later ended up in Korea, where he started a family. He rarely shared his memories, as they were heavy. When he returned, he found that he had virtually no home left: his mother had died, and his father had married another woman. His younger brothers and sisters were still children. He carried these memories with him with regret and pain.
Every family has its own stories. Some went to war voluntarily, some wanted to stay, and some lost everything. It is these personal stories that help us better understand that war is not just an abstraction; it is the fates of people.
