Maria Musalieva is one of those who was not afraid to break stereotypes. She hails from a Kyrgyz village and, dreaming of a "male profession," became one of the first parachutists in the country. However, after becoming a victim of ala kachuu (bride kidnapping), she was forced to leave her beloved sport.
For almost 60 years, Maria dedicated herself to medicine and earned the title of Honored Doctor of the Kyrgyz Republic. We discussed her life journey, challenging moments, and what helped her not to stray from her dream.
"I wanted to live up to my father's expectations"
Maria Musalieva (née Sadykbaeva) was born on April 10, 1940, in the village of Oro-Bashi, in a family with eight children, where she was the youngest.
Her father, Sadykbay Shopokov, graduated from a madrasah and worked as a moldo, striving to provide all his children with an education, though not all succeeded. Therefore, Maria particularly wanted to justify his hopes and efforts.
As a child, she dreamed of becoming a geologist, inspired by visiting geologists in her village, but her relatives discouraged her from this "male" profession.
After finishing the 7th grade, Maria enrolled in a medical college, but to continue her studies at the institute, she needed to complete a three-year internship, established during Nikita Khrushchev's time. Thus, she went to work in Batken, where she initially served as a paramedic, administering vaccinations and assisting patients. For her efforts, at the age of 17, she was awarded a certificate of honor from the Supreme Council of the Kyrgyz SSR.
I failed the entrance exam twice. My first attempt was at the medical institute in the capital, but I didn't succeed. Then I tried in Kochkor, and again I didn't pass. That's when I decided not to give up.
Maria Musalieva
Working during the day at a kindergarten and studying in the Evening School for Working Youth, Maria was determined. "Perseverance, resilience, and a sense of duty to my father supported me. Eventually, after three years, I was admitted to the medical institute, although it was difficult for me due to my lack of knowledge of the Russian language. But my passion for learning overcame all obstacles," she shares.
"I never thought I could fly"
Maria's journey as one of the first female parachutists in Kyrgyzstan began in her third year at the institute. She signed up for classes at the military department, where she learned about recruitment for the parachute section of DOSAAF. Only three girls from her group decided to participate, including her.
"I have always been curious to learn new things, and I wanted to see my homeland from above. When my family learned of my decision, they reacted negatively — they believed it was an unladylike activity and dangerous for our mentality. But I chose this unconventional path," Maria recounts.
Before the first jumps, the cadets underwent extensive training on a special parachute tower 500 meters high, practicing techniques and overcoming fear.
Photo from Maria Musalieva's archive. Far left in the second row
First successes and publications
Maria made her first jump in 1963 at the airfield in Kara-Balta from a height of about a thousand meters in an An-2 aircraft.
"The first jump was the most challenging. I remember that summer day when my heart was racing, and there was no turning back. Standing at the door of the plane, I thought: am I really going to fly? But when the parachute opened and I saw the ground, the feelings were indescribable," she recalls.
This was just the beginning: during her training, Maria made 49 jumps.
After each landing, I had bruises and contusions, but the desire to fly was stronger.
Maria Musalieva
Her successes attracted media attention, and her photograph appeared on the front page of the Moscow aviation magazine "Wings of the Motherland."
Marriage that became an obstacle to her dream
Only one jump remained before she received her parachutist qualification when fate intervened. A man she met on a bus kidnapped her for marriage. At that time, ala kachuu was a common practice, and after the wedding, he forbade her from engaging in sports.
"Returning home after being kidnapped was considered a disgrace. I accepted the situation, although he said that this sport was too dangerous. I was upset and angry, but he supported me in my medical career. Now I understand that this was my fate," Maria says.
Despite this happening in the 1960s, the situation remains relevant: according to preliminary data from the "Country Gender Equality Overview in the KR," over 20% of marriages are still concluded through ala kachuu.
Calling — to heal people
In 1966, Maria graduated from the medical institute and, due to a shortage of specialists, was sent to work as an obstetrician-gynecologist in At-Bashi for 12 years. Then she worked for three years as a dermatologist-venereologist in Kochkor, after which she headed the maternity ward. Over the years of her work, she helped many women become mothers and earned respect among colleagues and patients, receiving the title of Honored Doctor of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Although Maria retired in 2014, she continued to work for another five years as a family doctor. In total, she dedicated nearly 60 years to medicine and continued to work until she was 80 years old.
"You need to love your profession and work honestly. Then work brings joy. That’s why I couldn’t leave medicine even after retirement. It is my gift and calling," she emphasizes.
Today, Maria Musalieva celebrates her 86th birthday. She has four sons, 15 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. Despite her age, she remains active and curious.
Everyone should find their calling and strive for their dream. If you believe in yourself and don’t give up, everything will work out. If I could achieve this at a time when it was difficult for a woman to choose her path, then you too can overcome any barriers and stereotypes.
Maria Musalieva
