Aliya Moldagulova – in Aktobe – Kazakhstan

Sniper - Aliya Moldagulova

Sniper – Aliya Moldagulova

Aliya Moldagulova – in Aktobe, Kazakhstan

Hero of the Soviet Union

I’d be very surprised if many of the people who fly into Aliya Moldagulova International Airport, in Aktobe, Kazakhstan are aware that the airport is named in honour of a young, female Soviet sniper, who was credited with killing dozens (I’ve seen various figures) Nazis in her short ‘career’ as a sniper before being killed herself. The airport was renamed in her honour on 28th April 2021 (which probably bears relationship to the time of the celebrations of May 9th, the final and ultimate victory over Nazi Germany).

Born in 1925 it appears her childhood was neither comfortable or stable. The suggestion that her father was some sort of ‘nobleman’ wouldn’t have helped as such a short time after the revolution many people would have still held resentments about the past society – whether those resentments and the targets were deserving or not. However, she was a true patriot and defender of the new social system and – like many hundreds of thousands of other young men and women – readily joined (aged less than 16) the Red Army following the German Nazi invasion in June 1941.

She eventually ended up in a sniper training school outside of Leningrad but her training, as far as I can see, only lasted about 8 months (from starting in the military until being assigned to the front) which seems a very short time for such a young person – even taking into account the seriousness of the situation.

She was sent to the front in August 1943 and she was dead In January 1944 – she never reached her 19th birthday. There are countess ways to condemn the futility of war – even one as existential as the Great Patriotic War – but the fact that a young woman’s life ‘achievement’ was the killing, and presumably wounding, of dozens of invading Nazis, many not much older than herself, and then to be killed after barely 5 months in battle, must be one of them.

However, all armies – not just the Soviet Red Army – paid homage to those who had gone that bit further in the fight against the enemy (whether they survived the conflict or not). These men and woman in the Red Army were designated ‘Heroes of the Soviet Union’ and even though the Soviet Union no longer exists you will see busts of those so awarded throughout the territory of the former Socialist country.

Aliya is among that group of celebrated individuals in an avenue of such busts alongside the avenue, in the newer part of Aktobe, which used to bear the name of VI Lenin.

Aliya Moldagulova - In Heroes Aisle

Aliya Moldagulova – In Heroes Aisle

Aliya Moldagulova Memorial Park

The avenue of busts leads to what is now called Aliya Moldagulova Memorial Park. (I’m not sure if in this location previously stood a statue of VI Lenin. There are no statues of Lenin on public display in 2025.)

This complex was unveiled in 2005 on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of her birth, ‘intended to appeal to be proud for our country and it’s heroes (sic)’ – according to the official visitors site.

The backdrop to this complex follows very much a Soviet, Socialist Realist pattern. On the left hand side as you look at the statue, the panel represents Aktobe (and also Kazakhstan’s) past. It shows the fights for independence (against whom is not specified) including a female warrior – which sets up the scene for Aliya to be represented in the right hand panel. On this left hand side we also have the introduction of Kazakh culture in the form of a group of musicians playing traditional instruments.

The right hand panel, however, deals with a number of specifics. On the left edge is a group of soldiers from the Civil War period when the Bolsheviks defeated the White reactionary forces, assisted by the capitalist/imperialist powers. Only when the Bolsheviks had rid their country of these elements were they able to start on the construction of Socialism. Then we have industrialisation (with the construction of dams and providing electricity to the whole country) and the collectivisation of agriculture – both of which, somewhat surprisingly, are represented in a positive manner here.

This is followed by images from the Great Patriotic War and the incident that led to the death of Aliya in 1944. It then takes a step 20 years in to the future with the launch of the Vostok rocket which sent the first human’s into space – all the Soviet space programme was based in Baikonur, in western Kazakhstan. Finally, we are faced with images that are supposed to represent modern capitalist Kazakhstan – a veritable heaven on earth.

Although I have issues with the panels behind the statue it is the representation of Aliya I found the most offensive and insulting (to her and her memory). This follows the same pattern that happened in Albania with another young, female victim in the fight against German Nazism, Leri Gero. In both cases the capitalist elements in power have sought to appropriate the heroism of these young women from the past to substitute for their paucity of heroism in their present. In the process they distort the reality of these two (although from different countries) very similar young people according to the little we know of them. They were simple, honest and dedicated fighters for their people and their country – and for that they paid the ultimate price.

This representations of them during Socialism followed a well worn and ‘traditional’ path. A simple three dimensional image in their memory. However, the modern ‘representations’ turn both of them into silly airheads who only think of their own pleasure and vanity. Leri looks more like a young woman going clubbing at the weekend and Aliya like a fashion model who has just flung off the jacket of a haute couture ‘army’ suit at the end of a catwalk.

By stripping Aliya of any real reference to her medal they take away the reason she is in that location in the first place.

But then this is the tactic. If you cannot obliterate their achievements just try and trivialise them.

Aliya Moldagulova - memorial park in Nedw Town

Aliya Moldagulova – memorial park in Nedw Town

In Aktobe new town;

Memorial Complex;

Aliya Moldagulova Avenue, close to the Museum

GPS;

50.287698 N

57.152472 E

Monument in the Old Town

This is a much more staid and formal representation of the young woman. It is a bust, about 1.3 metres mounted on a high stone stele – giving a combined height of 3 metres. It stands at the entrance to a small green and garden space that leads off Shimize Street – opposite No 39 – in the older part of Aktobe.

We have here a uncomplicated head and shoulders bust of a young woman in a basic and unadorned military shirt and with a military cap on her head. The only decoration is the Red Star on her cap and the medal of the Hero of the Soviet Union on her right chest.

The area around the monument is always kept neat and tidy and ceremonies in her remembrance, and of the Great Patriotic War in general, often take place in this small corner of the city.

This small monument has survived the somewhat turbulent times over the last 35 years or so which demonstrates the respect the people of the town (and the country) have for her – so many years after the end of the war. I would venture to guess that most people passing would know who she is, not something that could be said in many western countries to street sculptures commemorating individuals from the Second World War.

Aliya Moldagulova - in Aktobe Old Town

Aliya Moldagulova – in Aktobe Old Town

In Aktobe old town;

Location;

Shimize Street – opposite No 39

GPS;

50.1657 N

57.1336 E

Museum established in her honour;

Finally, in Aktobe, a small museum was established in the newer part of town and opened on 22nd April 1985. This also operates as a research centre.

Aliya Moldagulova - image in museum

Aliya Moldagulova – image in museum

Free entry.

Opening;

09.00-18.00, closed for lunch 13.00-14.00

Location:

Aliya Moldagulova Avenue 47

GPS;

50.28877 N

57.15818 E

VI Lenin in Moscow

VI Lenin in party mode

VI Lenin in party mode

More on the USSR

VI Lenin in Stalingrad

VI Lenin in Moscow

Here is a selection of the statues, busts and bas reliefs of VI Lenin to be found in Moscow. All of the below are accessible to the public (although on one or two occasions a little bit of imagination might be required to get close). There are more. Of those some are in locations which are difficult to enter, e.g. military or other government buildings or property.

To the best of out knowledge all the location details are correct. Apologies for any errors. If there are errors please let us know so they can be corrected.

You will see there is scarce information about all of those listed. If anyone can fill in the gaps or direct us to a source which will allow that to happen it would be appreciated.

It is hoped that, at some time in the future, this list will be augmented. There are supposed to be close to 100 examples in the Moscow area but many are under threat if the locations where they are found undergo demolition or development.

VI Ulyanov (Lenin) – as a student

Lenin as a student

Lenin as a student

Location; Ogarodnaya Sloboda Lane

GPS; 55.76535 N 37.64162 E

Sculptors; V.E. Tsigal, P.I. Skokan

Year; 1970

Notes; In July 2008, the monument was overturned by a strong gust of wind and broke into several pieces. In 2009 the monument was restored and installed in its original place.

VI Lenin next to war memorial

VI Lenin next to war memorial

VI Lenin next to war memorial

Location; Perevedenovskaya Lane 13c6

GPS; 55.78009 N 37.64162 E

Sculptor/s; Sergey Dmitriyevich Merkurov

VI Lenin near Rimskaya and Ploschad Ilyich Metro stations

VI Lenin near Rimskaya and Ploschad Ilyich Metro stations

VI Lenin near Rimskaya and Ploschad Ilyich Metro stations

Location; Rogozhskaya Zastava Square

GPS; 55.74731 N 37.68190 E

Sculptor; G.A.Iokubonis

Architects; V.A.Chekanauskas, B. Belozersky

Year; 1967

VI Lenin being carried shoulder high by workers

VI Lenin being carried shoulder high by workers

VI Lenin being carried shoulder high by workers

Location; 1st Karacharovskaya Street 8c3

GPS; 55.73610 N 37,75598 E

VI Lenin in the garden at workers’ apartments

VI Lenin in the garden at workers' apartments

VI Lenin in the garden at workers’ apartments

Location; Aviamotornaya Street 28/4

GPS; 55.74570 N 37.71874 E

A bust of VI Lenin in a small pedestrian square

A bust of VI Lenin in a small pedestrian square

A bust of VI Lenin in a small pedestrian square

Location; Alexandra Lukyanova Street 7

GPS; 55.76828 N 37.66438

VI Lenin in a residential street

VI Lenin in a residential street

VI Lenin in a residential street

Location; Burakova Street 8c10

GPS; 55.76178 N 37.73039 E

VI Lenin at school

VI Lenin at school

VI Lenin at school

Location; Perovskaya St 44a, School Building No 796

GPS; 55.75311 N 37.78205 E

Sculptors; I.I. Kozlovsky, A.R.Markin

Year; 1983

VI Lenin in a building site (at the time of the visit)

VI Lenin in a building site (at the time of the visit)

VI Lenin in a building site (at the time of the visit)

Location; Rabochaya Street 84c7

GPS; 55.73919 N 37.69611 E

Notes; The factory is in the process of being turned in offices/apartments. VI Lenin has survived (just) so far but whether his luck will continue to run is uncertain.

A bust of VI Lenin in the garden of a residential home for veterans

A bust of VI Lenin in the garden of a residential home for veterans

A bust of VI Lenin in the garden of a residential home for veterans

Location; Entuziastov Highway 88, Yablochkina House of Veterans

GPS; 55.76544 N 37.79635

Statue of VI Lenin at the VDNKh

VI Lenin at VDNKh

VI Lenin at VDNKh

Location; In front of the main pavilion at the VDNKh park

GPS; 55.83109 N 37.62981 E

Sculptor; P.P.Yatsyno

Year; 1954

Blog post; Statue of VI Lenin at the VDNKh

Lenin and October Revolution Monument in the Kaluga Square

Lenin and October Revolution - 03

Lenin and October Revolution Monument

Location; In Kaluga Square (formerly October Square), at the junction of Lenin Prospekt and Krymsky Val, opposite the main entrance to Oktyabrskaya Metro station

GPS; 55.729466°N 37.613176°E

Sculptors; . E. Kerbel, V. A. Fedorov

Architects; G. V. Makarevich, B. A. Samsonov.

Year; 1985

Blog post; Lenin and October Revolution Monument in the Kaluga Square

Monument to VI Lenin on Tverskaya Square

VI Lenin - Tverskaya Square

VI Lenin – Tverskaya Square

Location; Tverskaya square

GPS; 55.76233°N 37.61146°E

Sculptor; Sergey Dmitriyevich Merkurov

Architect; I.A. Frantsuz

Year; 1938

Blog post; Monument to VI Lenin on Tverskaya Square

VI Lenin statue – Dekabrskaya Vosstanya Park

VI Lenin statue - Dekabrskaya Vosstanya Park

VI Lenin statue – Dekabrskaya Vosstanya Park

Location; At the far end of Dekabrskaya Vosstanya Park from the Ulitsa 1905 Goda Metro station.

GPS; 55.759523º N 37.558902º E

Sculptors; B.I. Dyuzhev, Yu.I. Goltsev

Year; 1963

Blog post; VI Lenin statue – Dekabrskaya Vosstanya Park

VI Lenin statue and assassination attempt memorial stone

Lenin - Ulitsa Pavlovskaya - 01

Lenin – Ulitsa Pavlovskaya – 01

Location; In a small park at the junction of Ulitsa Pavlovskaya and Ulitsa Pavla Andreyeva.

GPS; 55.72087º N 37.62862º E

Sculptors; V.B.Topuridze, K.T.Topuridze

Year; 1967

Blog post; VI Lenin statue and assassination attempt memorial stone

Marble bust of VI Lenin

Bust of VI Lenin in Muzeon Park

Bust of VI Lenin in Muzeon Park

Location; Muzeon Park

GPS; 55.73416 N 37.60677 E

Sculptor; A.A. Bichukov

Year; 1951

Blog post; Park of the Fallen/Muzeon Art Park

Standing, sandstone VI Lenin

Standing VI Lenin at Museon Park

Standing VI Lenin at Museon Park

Location; Muzeon Park

GPS; 55.73417 N 37.60683 E

Sculptor; V.D. Chazov

Blog post; Park of the Fallen/Muzeon Art Park

Young VI Ulyanov (Lenin)

Young VI Lenin at Muzeon Park

Young VI Lenin at Muzeon Park

Location; Muzeon Park

GPS; 55.73417 N 37.60677 E

Sculptor; A.I.Toropygin

Blog Post; Park of the Fallen/Muzeon Art Park

VI Lenin standing, resting hand on pillar

VI Lenin - hand on pillar - Muzeon Park

VI Lenin – hand on pillar – Muzeon Park

Location; Muzeon Park

GPS; 55.73422 N 37.60671 E

Sculptor; I.A. Mendelevich

Blog Post; Park of the Fallen/Muzeon Art Park

Black, granite bust of VI Lenin

Black, granite bust of VI Lenin - Muzeon Park

Black, granite bust of VI Lenin – Muzeon Park

Location; Muzeon Park

GPS; 55.73420 N 37.60681 E

Sculptor; Sergey Dmitriyevich Merkurov

Notes; Until the early 1990s, the bust stood near the building of the Belorussky railway station.

Blog post; Park of the Fallen/Muzeon Art Park

Small, marble bust of VI Lenin

Small, marble bust of VI Lenin - Muzeon Park

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Location; Muzeon Park

GPS; 55.73422 N 37.60680 E

Sculptor; Z.M. Vilensky

Year; 1982

Blog post; Park of the Fallen/Muzeon Art Park

VI Lenin amongst the fir trees

VI Lenin amongst the fir trees

VI Lenin amongst the fir trees

Location; Avtozavodskaya Street, 23 

GPS; 55.70402 N 37.63534 E

Sculptors; Yu.P.Pommer, A.A.Stempkovsky 

Year; 1956

Bust of VI Lenin in residential park

Bust of VI Lenin in residential park

Bust of VI Lenin in residential park

Location; Gruzinsky Val Street, 26

GPS; 55.77416 N 37.58310 E

VI Lenin, standing with hand in his pocket

VI Lenin, standing with hand in his pocket

VI Lenin, standing with hand in his pocket

Location; Klimashkina Street, 22

GPS; 55.76838 N 37.56725 E

Notes; On June 7, 2016, the monument was thrown down from its pedestal and broken. Probable causes are vandalism or the action of squally winds. In November 2017, it was restored in its original form.

Large bas relief of VI Lenin

VI Lenin at the CPRF Headquarters

VI Lenin at the CPRF Headquarters

Location: Maly Sukharevskaya Lane 7, Headquarters of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation

GPS; 55.77052 N 37.62409 E

Bust of VI Lenin in small residential square

Bust of VI Lenin in small residential square

Bust of VI Lenin in small residential square

Location; Palikha Street 7-9k6

GPS; 55.78513 N 37.59835 E

 

VI Lenin at the Central Armed Forces Museum

VI Lenin at the Central Armed Forces Museum

VI Lenin at the Central Armed Forces Museum

Location; Sovetskaya Armii str., 2, facing you, up the first flight of stairs, on entering the Central Armed Forces Museum

GPS; 55.78496 N 37.61721 E

 

Plaques and bas reliefs

There will be many more throughout the city but here are just a few in central Moscow

Moscow City Hall

 

Moscow City Hall - 03

Moscow City Hall – 03

Moscow City Hall - 02

Moscow City Hall – 02

Moscow City Hall - 01

Moscow City Hall – 01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location; Moscow City Hall, Ulitsa Tverskaya 13

GPS; 55.76171 N 37.60905 E

 

 

 

Kievskaya Railway Station

Kievskaya Railway Station - 01

Kievskaya Railway Station – 01

Kievskaya Railway Station - 02

Kievskaya Railway Station – 02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location; By the main entrance of Kievskaya mainline railway station.

GPS; 55.74366 N 37.56786 E

Museum of Architecture

Museum of Architecture - 01

Museum of Architecture – 01

Museum of Architecture - 02

Museum of Architecture – 02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location; On the wall at the end of the building on the Museum of Architecture on Vozdvizhenka Street, 5/25

GPS; 55.75263 N 37.60724 E

Hotel Metropol

Hotel Metropol - 01

Hotel Metropol – 01

Hotel Metropol - 02

Hotel Metropol – 02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location; On the wall to the left of upper entrance of the Hotel Metropol on Teatralnaya Proyezti 2.

GPS; 55.75914 N 37.62194 E

 

 

Tverskaya Square

Tverskaya Square - 01

Tverskaya Square – 01

Tverskaya Square - 02

Tverskaya Square – 02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location; On the top corner of the square, close to the main road

GPS; 55.76147 N 37.60997 E

 

 

Tverskaya Square - 03

Tverskaya Square – 03

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More on the USSR

VI Lenin in Stalingrad