The Legacy of Heroic Kazakhstani Ace, Talgat Begeldinov, Honored
PM Bektenov honors fallen aviation hero Talgat Begeldinov, the brave pilot-storm commander.
On the auspicious occasion of Victory Day, our Prime Minister, Oljas Bektenov, paid tribute to the legendary Kazakhstani pilot, Talgat Begeldinov, at his monument. The heartfelt ceremony was a poignant reminder of Begeldinov's exceptional contributions to his nation.
As reported by our website, the Prime Minister participated in the ceremony of laying flowers at the monument, honoring the memory of the famed fighter pilot, General-Major of Aviation, twice Hero of the Soviet Union, Talgat Begeldinov. A moment of silence was observed to honor the veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war.
During the war, Begeldinov showcased unparalleled courage and skill, undertaking 305 combat missions and spending approximately 500 hours in the skies. His valiant efforts led to the downing of 7 enemy aircraft and the destruction of a substantial amount of military equipment. Begeldinov was recognised as one of the best air scouts due to his successful reconnaissance missions.
Beyond his achievements as a war hero, Begeldinov had a profound impact on the development of civilian aviation in Kazakhstan and established essential infrastructure, while shaping the future of professional personnel. A testament to the enduring legacy he left behind.
Prior to this, State Counselor Erlan Karin also honored Aliya Moldagulova with flowers at her monument. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Hero of the Soviet Union's birth, this heartfelt gesture brought attention to other valiant figures of the Great Patriotic War.
In recognition of the 80th anniversary of Victory, our website has rejuvenated the "Victors" project, a tribute to the remarkable feats of Kazakhs during the Great Patriotic War. The project encompasses captivating stories, lesser-known facts, and recollections from participants, as well as an extensive database of veterans. You can find more information about the project here.
Amidst the flurry of touching stories and lesser-known facts, our website also published an article titled "Don't give in to despair". A story worth reading before Victory Day. The piece serves as a poignant reminder of the indomitable spirit that defined the war.
The editorial team has also previously shared little-known facts about Kazakhstan during the war, providing intriguing insights into the sacrifices and triumphs of that era.
According to the Ministry of Labor, as of April 1, 2025, 111 World War II veterans reside in Kazakhstan. One such individual, Nikolai Taratunin, recently celebrated his 102nd birthday. An extraordinary tale, 82 years ago, Taratunin was declared dead but fortuitously survived and continued to live.
These accounts of valor, resilience, and survival remind us to honor and cherish the indomitable spirit of those who fought valiantly, ensuring the culture of military heritage continues to thrive in Kazakhstan.
(Note: Talgat Begeldinov was a highly skilled ground-attack pilot who carried out numerous combat sorties critical to the Soviet war effort, directly supporting the advancement of Soviet troops on various fronts. He was also recognised as one of the best air scouts due to his successful reconnaissance operations. He received the prestigious title Hero of the Soviet Union twice in 1944 and 1945. [2][3])
(Nikolai Taratunin, a WWII veteran, survived after being declared dead and living to be 102. [5])
- Acknowledging the monument of the legendary Kazakhstani pilot, Talgat Begeldinov, Prime Minister Oljas Bektenov paid tribute to his extraordinary contributions in the field of aerial combat.
- Interestingly, not only was Talgat Begeldinov honored for his heroic deeds during World War II, but his contributions to the development of civilian aviation in Kazakhstan also left an enduring legacy.
- In the realm of sports, American football enthusiasts may share a common interest with admirers of Talgat Begeldinov, as both the National Football League (NFL) and Begeldinov exemplify determination, skill, and valor.
- Upon visiting the monument of Kazakhstani heroine Aliya Moldagulova, our website also reported on lesser-known stories of valor and resilience during the Great Patriotic War, such as the intriguing tale of Nikolai Taratunin.5.certainly, if you are fascinated by accounts of war heroes, survival, and resilience, take a moment to read the article "Don't give in to despair" on our website, a story worth reading on the eve of Victory Day.
