Munabiya (Shahidka) by Kazat Akmatov

“Shahidka” is a tale about the relationships between people living in the post-Soviet era, at the moment of their abrupt removal, division and separation from the former Soviet Union states. This is a story about the unrequited love of a Kyrgyz boy for Svetlana, a Russian girl whose ancestors moved from Russia to Kyrgyzstan as a result of circumstances beyond their control. This theme is highlighted throughout the whole story reminding us about the problems of tolerance, the Soviet states’ perception of Russia as a “big brother”, and the situation concerning the Russian ethnic population and the Russian language. The author shares his own impressions and opinions on Russian culture, mentality and religious distinction. He credibly describes key events which occurred in Chechnya regarding Russia, referencing differences in religious beliefs and Islam.

Theauthor reflects on ‘Shahidka’, a concept borrowed from Eastern languages that signifies the most radical form of protest by Muslim women against people of different religious persuasions, and in particular, Christianity.