03 May 2013 | 14:15

Chronicles of Brest Fortress

Machinegun troops of military school 455 of rifle regiment in 1940

International photo exhibition called Chronicles of Brest Fortress is a tribute to all those who fought and died for peace and freedom and made a contribution into the victory over fascism. The exhibition is devoted to Kazakhstan soldiers who took part in the near-border battles to defend the Brest Fortress.

The Brest Fortress is one of the most important Soviet World War II war monuments commemorating the Soviet resistance against the German invasion on June 22, 1941 (Operation Barbarossa). Following the war, in 1965 the title Hero-Fortress was given to the Fortress to commemorate the heroic defence of the frontier stronghold during the first weeks of the German-Soviet War. It was then part of the Byelorussian SSR. The title Hero-Fortress corresponds to the title Hero City, that was awarded to an eventual total of twelve Soviet cities.

The memorial complex Hero-Fortress has become a grave for 1,020 people, including Kazakhstan soldiers who died in the first days of the war: Idris Kurnekeyev, Nuri Sadykov, Botabai Suleimenov, Vassiliy Vavilov, Vassiliy Kalugin.

Junior political instructor's shirt of 1937. Steel helmet of 1940. Soldier's belt of WWII time

Officers of Brest-Litva fortress artillery (1914-1915)

Aerostat before the flight in the Brest Fortress. Beginning of the 20th century

Tulegen Kurmangazyev (1913-1988). Born in Sakhma village of Astrakhan oblast. In June 1941 was a foreman of 7th troop of 84th rifle regiment. Photo made in 1941

Terespol gates of the Citadel. 1915. Inner quarters.

Photo exhibition Chronicles of the Brest Fortress

Nuri Sadykov (1919-1941). Born in Brik village of Uralsk oblast. In June 1941 was a common soldier, gun-layer of a mortar company of the 125th rifle regiment. Died on June 22, 1941.

Botabai Suleimenov (1921-1941). Born in village No.2 of Pavlodar oblast. In June 1941 was a common soldier of the 125th rifle regiment. Died on June 22, 1941.

Nurum Sydykov (1917-1998). Born in Narynkol village of Almaty oblast. In June 1941 was a lance bombardier of the 125th rifle regiment. Took part in the battles near Brest and the guerilla movement in Brest oblast. Photo made in 1942

German soldiers breaking into the fortress. June, 1941.

Abdrazak Mamiyev (1917-1977). Born in Kordai region of Zhambyl oblast. In June 1941 was a common soldier of the 2nd rifle battalion of the 125th rifle regiment. Photo made in 1940.