Monument-bust to M. Mametova

Historical background

Manshuk Zhiengaliyevna Mametova was a heroic daughter of the Kazakh people, a participant in the Great Patriotic War and a Hero of the Soviet Union. She was born in 1922. Having lost her parents at an early age, Manshuk spent her childhood and youth in Almaty, where she was raised by Amina Mametova.

When the Great Patriotic War began, Manshuk was studying at the Almaty Medical Institute. In 1942, she voluntarily joined the Red Army and went to the front. Serving as a machine gunner in the 100th Rifle Brigade, she distinguished herself by exceptional courage, endurance and combat skill.

In October 1943, during the fierce battle for the city of Nevel, Manshuk Mametova continued firing her machine gun until her final moments and died heroically. On 1 March 1944, she was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Manshuk Mametova became one of the first Kazakh women to receive this high title.

By Resolution No. 302 of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 26 May 2017, Aktobe Higher Medical College was named after Hero of the Soviet Union Manshuk Mametova. A museum dedicated to her life and heroic deed operates within the college.

Description of the monument

The monument-sculpture to Manshuk Mametova was installed in 2020 on the territory of Aktobe Higher Medical College named after Hero of the Soviet Union Manshuk Mametova. Its opening was dedicated to the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the 85th anniversary of the college.

The sculpture is cast in bronze, and the pedestal is made of solid granite. The base of the monument has a square shape, measuring 3.67 metres, with a height of 0.15 metres. The pedestal measures 1.33 by 1.33 metres and is 2.45 metres high. The total height of the sculpture together with the pedestal is 3.75 metres.

The composition presents the image of Manshuk Mametova in a restrained yet expressive form. The bronze sculpture conveys her courage, strength of character and devotion to her homeland. The granite pedestal gives the monument a monumental quality and strengthens its memorial significance.

Cultural and historical significance

The monument to Manshuk Mametova is an important memorial object that highlights the heroic tradition of Kazakh women during the Great Patriotic War. It represents not only the image of one heroine, but also the spiritual resilience of society during wartime, the feeling of patriotism and the historical role of women at the front.

The location of the monument on the territory of a medical college has special meaning. Before the war, Manshuk studied at a medical institute, and today her name is borne by an educational institution that trains healthcare professionals. For this reason, the monument is perceived as a symbolic space uniting the ideas of education, heroism and the protection of human life.

The Manshuk Mametova Museum, the monument and the alley at the college form a unified environment for patriotic education. This place introduces students and visitors to the fate of the heroine and promotes respect for courage, responsibility, patriotism and moral values.

Opening of the monument

The monument-bust to Manshuk Mametova was solemnly opened in October 2020 on the territory of Aktobe Higher Medical College. The opening was dedicated to the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the 85th anniversary of the college.

The ceremony was attended by the Akim of Aktobe Region Ondasyn Urazalin, college veterans, teachers and students. During the event, speakers emphasised the historical significance of Manshuk Mametova’s heroic deed, the role of the educational institution bearing her name and the importance of patriotic education for younger generations.

Why is this monument important?

This monument recalls not only the personal heroism of Manshuk Mametova, but also the shared wartime experience of the Kazakh people. It is an artistic symbol of courage, civic responsibility and faithful service to the homeland.

The image of Manshuk is a symbol of the resilience and heroism of Kazakh women. Her life teaches younger generations not to give up in difficult times, to feel responsibility before their country and to preserve human dignity.

What should visitors notice?

Visitors should first notice the restrained and integral composition of the sculpture. Bronze emphasises the strength of the heroine’s image and the spiritual power that withstands the test of time.

The granite pedestal gives the monument solemnity and stability. It is an artistic sign that Manshuk’s heroic deed will remain forever in the memory of the people.

The location of the monument on the college grounds is also important. It is not only a memorial space, but also an educational environment that reminds students every day of courage, responsibility and service to people.

Did you know?

Manshuk Mametova’s real name was Mansiya. She became widely known by the affectionate name Manshuk.

Manshuk Mametova died heroically in the battle for the city of Nevel. Her name became a symbol of courage not only in Kazakhstan, but also in the history of the Great Patriotic War.

The Manshuk Mametova Museum operates at Aktobe Higher Medical College. Its work is aimed at the patriotic, cultural and aesthetic education of students.

Read more

1. Aktobe Higher Medical College named after Hero of the Soviet Union Manshuk Mametova. College History
2. Aktobe Higher Medical College named after Hero of the Soviet Union Manshuk Mametova. College Museum
3. Kazinform. A monument to Manshuk Mametova was installed in Aktobe
4. Aqtobe Newspaper. The monument to Manshuk Mametova was opened