Maya-Gozel Aimedova was born on May 28, 1941, in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Her father died in 1944 during World War II. Her mother later worked in Tejen (Turkmen SSR) as the third secretary of the regional party committee
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Maya-Gozel Aimedova was born on May 28, 1941, in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Her father died in 1944 during World War II. Her mother later worked in Tejen (Turkmen SSR) as the third secretary of the regional party committee.
“Ashgabat of my childhood was wonderful. After the earthquake, we initially lived in some barracks. I clearly remember the first newly built, well-equipped houses that were constructed in the city, scarred by tragedy. In the Ashgabat of my childhood, there was a spirit of friendship; we didn’t distinguish between Jews, Armenians, Russians, or Turkmen—we were one people.
It never even crossed our minds to ask about someone’s nationality. We lived with financial difficulty, relying solely on my mother’s salary. There was never any extra money. I think I was born with an artistic nature. I always loved reading poetry. For as long as I can remember, I was putting on some kind of plays at school. My mother wanted me to be a diplomat and would tell me, "You will go to study at MGIMO."
“At that time, it was a very prestigious university, and admissions were based on merit and honest exams. Today, I feel that this university has become somewhat elitist. I went there to apply, scored an A in Russian, but a C in English. I remember leaving the exam feeling upset, sitting near the "Khudozhestvenny" cinema on Arbat Street, wondering what to do next. Two guys approached me and asked, "Girl, why are you so sad?" I was silent, and then they unexpectedly asked, "What's your nationality, Armenian or Uzbek?"
I replied that I was Turkmen. The guys turned out to be Turkmen as well. They were students at GITIS and asked me, "Do you want to be an actress? Everyone will know you..." And so I went with them to GITIS. The course was being led by Olga Ivanovna Pyzhova and Boris Vladimirovich Bibikov. They were great people and unique teachers,” recalls Maya-Gozel.
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In 1964, Maya-Gozel Aimedova graduated from the Turkmen studio of the State Institute of Theatrical Art named after A. V. Lunacharsky in Moscow (now the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts - GITIS). She studied under Boris Bibikov and Olga Pyzhova. From 1964 to the early 1990s, she was a member of the Turkmen State Youth Theater (now the Turkmen National Youth Theater named after Alp Arslan in Ashgabat).
She performed roles in productions such as "The Girl and April" by Tamara Yan, "Singing Sands" by Alexander Stein, and "Mengli" by Kurbandurdy Kurbansakhatov.
Maya-Gozel Aimedova made her film debut in 1963, playing the role of Jahan in Mered Atahanov's drama "Incident in Dash-Kala." Notable film roles include Ogulkeyik in "Bride" (1971), Jamal in "Jamal's Tree" (1980), and Fatima Alibekovna in "Mother's Voice" (2006), all directed by her husband, Khojakuli Narliev. Altogether, Aimedova appeared in 18 films.
“I didn’t just play roles; I immersed myself in them. I didn't show acting, but true life. Because of this, Turkmen women adored me and continue to do so to this day. They see themselves in my characters. For example, in the film "Bride," women of Turkmenistan saw themselves in my character. In Turkmenistan, among young women who did not see their husbands return from the war, the vast majority never remarried.”
Women around the world welcomed this film. Anne Philippe, a director for Parisian television, a writer and journalist, and the widow of Gérard Philipe, said: "This is a film about me. It's a film about all the sorrowful widows of the world, waiting for their loved ones. But it is also about happiness. About the profound happiness when a person is needed by others, when with your strength and faith you instill in them a belief in sacred things—love and loyalty."
Almost all newspapers and magazines around the world reported on the sensational debut of Turkmen cinema, which was so piercingly delicate, poetic, and philosophical, and became well-known thanks to the film "Bride."
Interest was sparked not only in Khojakuli Narliev, who had previously been known as a successful cinematographer but now as a director, and not only in the talented actress Maya-Gozel Aimedova, who played the role of Ogulkeyik, but also in the country and its people as a whole.
The entire world saw the unique beauty of the Turkmen woman, her proud bearing, her bright national costumes reminiscent of the attire of queens and goddesses known from ancient reliefs. At the same time, she is also the keeper of the home, treating her husband and father-in-law with respect, tirelessly working both at home and in the field.
“Every nation has its own language, history, culture, customs, and traditions, which makes it unique and interesting. But the world of emotions and experiences, regardless of the language spoken by the characters, will be understood by everyone.” says Maya-Gozel.
In the early 1990s, she was a member of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Turkmen SSR and later served as a deputy in the Mejlis (Parliament) of Turkmenistan. She was also a member of the Union of Cinematographers of the Russian Federation and the Russian Academy of Cinematic Arts.
Now she is a happy wife, mother, and grandmother, sharing in their joys and successes, just like many other women. The characters created by Maya-Gozel Aimedova continue to captivate and enchant with their feminine charm and allure. Their mystery lies in the depths of the great actress's soul.
Our hero
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