The story told by
Maidagul Tleubergenova, born in 1945, was a resilient Kazakh math teacher who overcame personal and historical challenges, inspiring her family
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Maidagul Tleubergenova was born in the city of Zhetisay, in Turkistan region of Kazakhstan. Her birth coincided with a historic event - Red Army’s victory in World War II - on May 9th 1945. Her birth was a symbol of new beginnings, as her hometown, renowned for its endless cotton fields, became a beacon of hope and renewal.
Her name, МайдаГүл (MaidaGül), in Kazakh language translates to “small flowers” symbolising the end of the war , the growth of little flowers on the battlefield. The phrase “Майдан күл болды”(the battlefield turned to ashes) embodies the idea that the war was reduced to nothing but memories, marking the transition from conflict to tranquility.
As one of eight siblings—four boys and four girls—Maidagul's early life was marked by both companionship and profound loss. The frequent illnesses of her mother and the deaths of her four brothers due to various circumstances left her with a sense of detachment and reserve. Yet, amidst this, she grew into a figure of quiet strength, often stepping into the role of caregiver for her remaining siblings.
Academic Journey
Her academic journey began with a passion for math in school . She helped her sisters with their studies, honing a skill that would define her career: the ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms. After graduating from high school, Maidagul moved to Shymkent , a city in South of Kazakhstan to attend the Shymkent Pedagogical Institute, where she majored in mathematics. It was there she met her future husband, a future professor of Physics and Mathematical Sciences. They married during her third year, and by her penultimate year, she gave birth to their first child. In 1968, she completed five years of her studies, but her husband’s subsequent academic pursuits in Moscow and his two-year practice in Almaty left her to raise their child alone.
The first steps in her career
Hercareer began in an Uzbek school, where she taught in Uzbek, beforetransitioning to a Kazakh school. My grandmother's teaching philosophy wascentered on simplifying complex topics so that anyone, regardless of age, couldunderstand them. Thanks to her, I never had any problems with mathematics inschool. Her exceptional teaching skills were evident when she prepared her granddaughterfor first grade so effectively that she advanced directly to the second grade.Maidagul’s husband, who later became the head of an admissions committee at auniversity, and her family traveled extensively. Despite the politicalturbulence of the Soviet era, her travels took her to places like Russia,Georgia, Abkhazia, Hungary, Tajikistan, the Czech Republic, Uzbekistan,Yugoslavia, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, and beyond.
The onset of the Afghan-Soviet War brought a wave of fear that swept through every home, especially for mothers like Maidagul, who dreaded the thought of their sons being sent to fight in a war they had no desire to join—against a nation with whom they shared a common faith and brotherhood. The economic struggles of the time were palpable, and many women, including my grandmother, felt the weight of these challenges in their daily lives. Her eldest son, 18-year-old Zhomart, was sent for mandatory military service to Germany, where he served from 1985 to 1987. Fortunately, the war ended before Maidagul's sons were ever sent to the battlefield of the Soviet-Afghan War.
The collapse of the Soviet Union had significant consequences. Currency devalued rapidly, people lost their jobs overnight, and crime grew in numbers. Amidst these challenges, Maidagul demonstrated remarkable resilience. She sold her jewelry to raise capital, which she used to buy goods in Turkey for resale. She returned to Kazakhstan and began selling these goods at markets, establishing a small business that provided crucial support for her family during these tough times. Her ability to adapt to hardships quickly and find solutions inspires me to this day.
Those who knew her describe her as a tall, dignified woman with fair skin and striking gray-green eyes. Her piercing gaze mirrored her complex character. Known for her fierce determination, Maidagul stood up against injustice with unwavering resolve. When her sister suffered severe abuse from her husband, Maidagul confronted the abuser with a wooden stick ("оқтай" in Kazakh), making it clear that she would not tolerate such injustice.
Her mottos, «Жизнь это борьба» (meaning - Life is a battle ) and «Әйел бәрін жеңеді» (meaning - A woman will win eventually), encapsulated her philosophy and approach to life. In a culture where women were often silenced, Maiduguri spoke boldly, facing challenges head-on and never shying away from the truth.
Her meticulous nature extended from her professional life as a math teacher to her home, where she balanced household responsibilities with raising her children. Despite her strictness, she was a warm and supportive mother, dedicated to her family and their education. Her analytical mind and practical solutions provided a strong foundation for her children’s success and their ability to navigate a rapidly changing world.
In 2004, she was diagnosed with a tumor in her breast and underwent surgery. Although she retired from her occupation the same year, this incident did not make her give up. She dedicated herself to her family and continued teaching, this time to her grandchildren.
Maidagul's final years were marked by personal loss, including the deaths of her husband, daughter, and her own battle with cancer. The death of her beloved sister deeply affected her, leading her to embrace her faith in Allah and reflect on her life with humility and introspection.
My grandmother’s impact on my life was profound. She taught me to read, ignited my love for books, and helped me navigate the complexities of mathematics and life. Her vibrant legacy, evident in her travel photos and the lessons she imparted, continues to inspire me.
In the end, the way people interpret her story may vary. For some, she might be a figure of personal grievance or distant memory. But for me, my grandmother’s life is a testament to resilience and strength, a reminder that through the stories we share, our loved ones live on forever.
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