Obelisk of Glory dedicated to Aktobe residents who fell for the Motherland during the Great Patriotic War

Historical background: The Obelisk of Glory was erected in memory of Aktobe residents who died while defending their homeland during the establishment of Soviet power and the Great Patriotic War. During the Civil War, the Aktobe region was one of the important strongholds of revolutionary forces. In 1941–1945, residents of Aktobe fought against fascism on the fronts near Moscow and Stalingrad, in Ukraine and Belarus, as well as in partisan units.

Thousands of Aktobe residents went to the front during the Great Patriotic War, and many of them never returned home. For this reason, the obelisk is not only a military memorial, but also a symbol of collective courage, sacrifice, victory and historical memory.

Description of the monument: The monument is made of pinkish granite and consists of a monumental composition centred on the figure of a soldier. The soldier is depicted wearing a Budyonovka cap and a Red Army overcoat, elements associated with the Civil War and the early Soviet military tradition. In his right hand he raises a sword, while his left hand is clenched into a fist and lowered. This image expresses courage, determination and faith in victory.

In front of the monument burns the Eternal Flame, dedicated to those who died in battle. The obelisk is 18 metres high. In 2015, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the memorial complex was reconstructed: the granite plaques bearing the names of Hero Cities were redesigned, and a wall shaped like a waving banner was built behind them.

Opening of the monument

The Obelisk of Glory was solemnly opened on 24 August 1970. It was originally located in another part of the city and was moved to its current location in 1984 — the intersection of Eset Batyr Street and Aliya Moldagulova Avenue. Today, this site is one of the main memorial spaces in Aktobe, where flower-laying ceremonies and commemorative events are held on Victory Day, Defender of the Fatherland Day and other important dates.

Why is this monument important?

This monument holds a special place in the historical memory of Aktobe. It reminds visitors of the courage of local people who died at the front and of the high price of peaceful life. The Eternal Flame conveys the idea of continuous remembrance, gratitude and respect for those who gave their lives for their homeland. The Obelisk of Glory invites every visitor to reflect on the hardships of war, the resilience of the people and the meaning of victory.

What to notice when viewing the monument

Pay attention to the raised sword in the soldier’s hand — it is a symbol of defence, struggle and the call to victory. The clenched fist emphasises strength and determination. The Budyonovka cap and military overcoat point to the historical context of the Civil War and the Soviet military era. The Eternal Flame at the foot of the monument is the key symbol of uninterrupted remembrance.

Did you know?

Residents of Aktobe often call this place the “Eternal Flame”. However, the full name of the monument is the Obelisk of Glory dedicated to Aktobe residents who fell for the Motherland during the Great Patriotic War. Another interesting fact: the monument was moved to its current location in 1984 and underwent major reconstruction in 2015 for the 70th anniversary of Victory.

Read more:

1. Visit Aktobe
2. Aktobe newspaper
3. Adilet