Turmush spoke with Urmatbek Albanov, the village elder [ayil bashchy] and a well-known public figure, who has strictly observed the fast during the month of Orozo for 41 years.
Urmatbek began fasting in 1985, when the country was still under Soviet rule. At that time, he worked as an agronomist, and now he is actively involved in public affairs and the development of his native village. “I have been fasting since 1985. I used to be an agronomist, and now, together with other elders, I organize various events for our community,” the elder shares his memories.
According to him, over time, the religious activity of local residents has significantly increased. Frunze has about 6,000 residents, and the local mosque is already struggling to accommodate everyone during festive prayers.
So many believers gather for morning prayers that they fill not only the mosque building but also the surrounding areas. In the last 5-6 years, collective iftars (ooz achar) have been held daily at the mosque. The number of those wishing to organize dinners for the fasting has become so great that a queue forms long before the month begins. Those who do not manage to choose a free day for iftar unite in groups of 4-5 families to hold the event together.
This year, Frunze has the honor of hosting the celebration of Nowruz for the entire Manas rural district. The villagers are currently actively preparing for the holiday, with work continuing even at night. “Our rural district includes 8 villages. Tomorrow, all residents will gather here in Frunze to celebrate the arrival of spring together,” noted Albanov.
Urmatbek Albanov is the father of two sons and two daughters, as well as a proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren.
