Their story began in 1999 when they were studying at the Kyrgyz State University named after I. Arabaev. Two years after starting their relationship, they got married. Their wedding was modest, but over the years of their life together, the couple has built a strong family, raising three sons and a daughter. Despite both having a background in history, their professional activities lie in different fields.
Mirbek and Gulzat always support each other, quickly find common ground after conflicts, and believe that the key to a happy marriage is mutual understanding, respect, and joint decisions. Mirbek advises young people to enter marriage only when they truly know each other.
A Turmush correspondent had a conversation with the couple.
Mirbek Maniyasov shared that their relationship began in 1999 at the university's history department. “From the middle of the first year, we realized that there was a special attraction between us, and we started dating. Two years later, we became husband and wife. Gulzat, born in 1983 in Kara-Kul of the Toktogul district, was my study assistant since I was the group leader. She attracted me with her optimism and energy. I have always treated girls with respect, and perhaps this played a key role in our relationship. We often spent time in the library and walked in the park, and I chose long routes to be with her longer,” recalls Mirbek.
Their wedding in 2001 was modest due to difficult economic conditions. “In those days, there were no lavish celebrations like now. We decided to hold the wedding with family, just at home. I came for the bride in my brother's old 'Moskvich.' What matters is not how the wedding went, but how our life turned out. We are happy together, we have three sons and one daughter. Our eldest son, born in 2003, serves in the Sokuluk district police. The middle son, born in 2005, became an auto electrician and is currently working abroad. Our daughter, who was born in 2009, is studying at a college affiliated with the Kyrgyz State University named after Arabaev, preparing to become a primary school teacher. The youngest son, born in 2016, is now in the third grade. Despite our historical education, we are engaged in completely different things,” shares Mirbek.
Once, when Mirbek introduced Gulzat to his relatives, a funny incident occurred that they remember with a smile. “Since my wife is from Toktogul, I thought she sang well. When we first visited my parents, they were celebrating the 30th birthday of my older brother's wife. Someone from the family said, 'You’re from Toktogul, sing us something!' And Gulzat started singing '18 жаш,' but completely off-key and out of tune! Everyone was trying to hold back their laughter but supported her with applause. I was very embarrassed. Once we got outside, I asked her, 'Why did you choose that song?' to which she replied, 'I don’t know, I got flustered and sang the first thing that came to mind.' Now every time we remember that incident, our relatives laugh,” says Mirbek.
In Mirbek's opinion, a happy marriage is a shared responsibility of both spouses. “A husband must be decisive, while a wife should be wise and understanding. We always discuss important decisions together. Of course, there are misunderstandings, but we don’t hold grudges for more than three to four hours, and then we make up. If one of us is upset, they still continue to fulfill their household duties. We understand and support each other. Even in difficult times, we do not lose hope,” he says.
Mirbek advises the youth: “Before entering marriage, get to know each other well. Understand if you can be a support for each other. If there is respect and sincere love in your relationship, then your family will surely be happy,” he emphasizes.
Gallery: Mirbek Maniyasov
