“The fate of my parents, Temirkul Botukeev and Kümüş Kulova, began in the autumn of 1978 when they met on the streets of Talas. The city resembled a blooming garden: the trees were turning yellow, and the air was filled with fragrances. On that day, my father saw my mother just once, and as he later confessed, he felt that she would become his destiny,” Bakhtiyar recounts.
At that time, Kümüş was working at the "Cholpon" shoe factory. On one of those ordinary working days, as she was leaving the factory, her life changed. My father drove up in a company car, a "UAZ," and, making a fateful decision, took her to the village of Kөpürө-Bazar.
Temirkul was a driver and knew the roads well, but this journey became not just a route but the beginning of their family life. Kümüş joined a strong and close-knit family, and their life together gained sweetness and harmony. They raised two daughters and four sons, each of whom now lives their own life.
In 2023, Temirkul and Kümüş performed a minor pilgrimage, which brought them peace of mind and blessings to their home. Now they are beloved parents, sons-in-law, and daughters-in-law, as well as proud grandparents surrounded by the care of 12 grandchildren.
An interesting fact: their names seem to be made for each other—Temirkul translates to "iron soul," while Kümüş means "silver." Friends joke that they are two different metals that met and united forever.
When Kümüş first came to her mother-in-law's house, her grandfather called her grandmother "Shailoo," which was actually her name. Not knowing this, her mother thought it was about elections and even asked her mother-in-law when they would take place. Upon learning the truth, she was embarrassed for a long time, and every time elections are held in the country, she remembers this funny story and laughs.
“I am very happy to have such wonderful parents,” Bakhtiyar adds.
