“Batyrlar Alley” Memorial Complex

Historical background: The “Batyrlar Alley” Memorial Complex was created to honour the memory of Aktobe soldiers who showed courage and heroism during the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945.

The Great Patriotic War, the Eastern Front of the Second World War, became one of the most tragic and decisive chapters of the twentieth century. Millions of people died on the battlefields, and many nations endured severe hardship. The Soviet people went through 1,418 days and nights on the road to Victory.

More than 1,366,000 people from Kazakhstan were called to the front. Among them were soldiers from the Aktobe region, who fought bravely on different fronts. In 1941–1945, 122,423 people from the Aktobe region went to war, and 39,503 of them died on the battlefield. Thirty-five Aktobe soldiers were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, and nine became full holders of the Order of Glory.

Opening of the monument: The “Batyrlar Alley” Memorial Complex was solemnly opened on 23 September 2010 to mark the 65th anniversary of Victory.

The complex is located on one of the city’s main avenues, Aliya Moldagulova Avenue. This location is symbolic: the avenue is named after Aliya Moldagulova, Hero of the Soviet Union and legendary Kazakh sniper. Thus, the site brings together the memory of wartime heroism, the heroic tradition of the Aktobe region and the continuity of generations.

Description of the monument: Two tall steles stand at the entrance to the memorial complex. Inside the complex, red granite steles are installed in honour of Aktobe heroes who became known for their courage during the Great Patriotic War.

Each stele bears a bronze bas-relief portrait of a soldier and his name. These bas-reliefs artistically preserve the individual images of the heroes and remind visitors of their wartime paths.

The total area of the complex is about 6,000 square metres. Its spatial layout, symmetrical arrangement of steles and solemn composition create an atmosphere of remembrance, respect and reflection.

Sculptors of the bas-reliefs: Zh. Kenbay, M. Gabdrakhmanov, A. Kubai, K. Koblanov, Zh. Yesengulov.

Architect of the complex: B. Yeginbayev.

Cultural and historical significance: The “Batyrlar Alley” Memorial Complex is one of the most important military-patriotic and memorial sites in Aktobe. It commemorates the bravery, sacrifice and sense of duty of Aktobe soldiers who went to the front during the Great Patriotic War.

The complex is not only a place of remembrance, but also an educational and historical space. It teaches younger generations patriotism, civic responsibility, courage and the value of peaceful life.

Commemorative ceremonies, flower-laying events and patriotic lessons held at the complex help preserve historical memory and deepen public understanding of the wartime generation’s sacrifice.

Why is this monument important?

This memorial complex visually represents the contribution of the Aktobe region to the Great Victory. Each stele is a sign of memory not only for one person, but for the fate of an entire generation.

“Batyrlar Alley” preserves the names of soldiers who died at the front and those who became known for their courage. It reminds residents and visitors of the price of peace and shows that behind every historical date stand real human lives.

A visitor standing here understands that history is not just a list of dates and numbers. It is made of people’s lives, choices, courage and sacrifice.

What should visitors notice?

First, notice the two tall steles at the entrance to the complex. They mark the solemn beginning of the alley and guide visitors into a space of memory.

The red granite steles symbolise strength and eternal remembrance. The bronze bas-reliefs show the heroes as real individuals, bringing their courage closer to the modern viewer.

The large area of the complex strengthens its memorial character. Here, every name, every image and every stone silently bears witness to the wartime heroism of the Aktobe region.

Did you know?

More than 122,000 people from the Aktobe region went to the front during the Great Patriotic War.

Thirty-five Aktobe soldiers became Heroes of the Soviet Union.

Nine Aktobe soldiers became full holders of the Order of Glory.

The “Batyrlar Alley” Memorial Complex was opened in 2010 to mark the 65th anniversary of Victory.

The total area of the complex is about 6,000 square metres.

Read more:

1. Adilet. State list of monuments of history and culture of local significance in Aktobe Region.
2. Aqtobe Newspaper. Monuments of heroism.
3. Aqtobe Newspaper. Batyrlar Alley.