Today, their story of how a family from Europe settled in Central Asia attracts the attention of many. Valeria shared her impressions and future plans with a correspondent from Turmush.
How it all began in Europe
Nursultan, born in Naryn, will soon celebrate his 27th birthday. Valeria was born in 2001 in the Kirovohrad region of Ukraine. Their fateful meeting took place thousands of kilometers away from their current home: Valeria was living in Bratislava at the time, while Nursultan was in Senec, nearby.
Their relationship began at Valeria's workplace, where she was a barista. "He came in with a friend for coffee. There was an instant attraction — we exchanged glances, and when they were about to leave, I decided to ask for his contact on social media. That very evening, our correspondence began, which continued until our first meeting," Valeria recalls.
A week after their virtual communication began, Nursultan invited her on a date. Although there was mutual affection, after their first walk, they returned to their respective cities. However, Valeria soon decided to visit him. "When it was time to say goodbye, he walked me to the train and unexpectedly confessed his feelings. It was a surprise for me — at that moment, I only felt a light affection," she shares.
Since then, their relationship developed rapidly: two months later, Nursultan moved to Bratislava, and the couple began their life together. Valeria realized her true love during their first joint New Year celebration.
Moving and Kyrgyz hospitality
After two years of living together in Europe, the couple decided to change their surroundings and return to Nursultan's homeland. They arrived in Kyrgyzstan on June 23, 2025. Their meeting at the airport and at home was filled with traditions: Nursultan's parents warmly welcomed their daughter-in-law, offering her a traditional scarf and "sary mai" (clarified butter), as well as organizing a large family feast.
Initially, the couple planned only a simple registration at the civil registry office, but relatives insisted on a full wedding. As a result, the celebration was held in accordance with all Kyrgyz traditions and became a symbol of the merging of two cultures. Valeria noted that both families showed incredible kindness: "My parents accepted Nursultan as a son, and his family accepted me as their daughter. We really appreciate this and often gather together," she recounts.
Life in Bishkek
Valeria is trained as a hotel management manager, but in Kyrgyzstan, she decided to change her profession. She took courses in SMM and mobile photography and began developing her personal blog. One of her videos, where she cares for her sick husband, went viral, attracting about 2800 new subscribers.
Adapting to life in Central Asia was not easy; however, the nature of Kyrgyzstan captivated Valeria. A key moment for her was a trip to Issyk-Kul. "When I saw this amazing nature and met kind, open people, I fell in love with Kyrgyzstan," she admits.
Valeria has vivid impressions of local weddings: "I was amazed at how many people gather together and how sincerely even strangers rejoice in someone else's happiness."
Everyday life and dreams
Now the Abdyvalievs live in Bishkek and actively spend their free time: they engage in sports, create content for their blog, cook together, play video games, and watch movies. "We have ambitious plans for the future. We strive for professional success, want to buy our own home, and travel the world. One of our main dreams is a trip to China," Valeria shares.
Gallery: An international family. Valeria Abdyvalieva.
