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A previously unseen letter penned by the legendary Kazakh sniper Aliya Moldagulova to a close friend has been unveiled at the Aliya Moldagulova Memorial Museum in Aktobe. This significant historical artifact now enriches the museum's collection, offering a personal glimpse into the life of the Hero of the Soviet Union.

A Glimpse into Aliya's Correspondence

The museum already houses copies of eight letters written by Moldagulova. These letters, penned during her studies at a sniper school and from the front lines, were addressed to her sister Sapurra and uncle Bisembaï Khabiev. The newly acquired letter, one of the latest additions to the museum's archives, was written to Oleg, a friend with whom she attended a school-boarding facility.

The Legacy of a Journalist

This remarkable letter was preserved in the personal archive of Sailkhan Askarov, a renowned journalist and screenwriter. Askarov dedicated over 30 years of his life to researching Moldagulova's biography, military path, and heroic deeds. The letter itself is imbued with a deep sense of patriotism and a readiness to defend the motherland.

Sauleş Tájbenova, a senior researcher at the Aliya Moldagulova Regional Memorial Museum, commented on the letter's significance. "Her writing style and tone are evident – it's a call to action, an aspiration to raise patriotic spirit. In her letters, she writes that she is not afraid of death and wishes to liberate her homeland and return with victory. She also calls on her peers to do the same," Tájbenova explained.

Moldagulova's Path to the Front

In her letter to Oleg, Moldagulova recounts her initial rejection by the military commissariat due to her young age. However, her persistence paid off. She underwent sniper training, graduating from a specialized school in 1943, after which she was assigned to the 54th Rifle Brigade.

Museum staff actively engage students and visitors by presenting Moldagulova's biography and the museum's exhibits. Student Aidana Bolat shared her experience: "Before heading to the front, we learned that Aliya Moldagulova wanted to become a nurse, but later became a sniper. I discovered new facts. Such excursions are very beneficial."

Exhibition Ahead of Victory Day

In anticipation of Victory Day, the Aliya Moldagulova Regional Memorial Museum has organized a special exhibition. The display features photographs, medals, orders, documents, and personal belongings of Aktobe residents who participated in World War II.

This information was reported by the Infohub.kz news agency.