Abo Mavashev

Abo Abramovich Mavashev was an outstanding individual with a rich life and professional history. Born in 1916 in Bukhara, he embarked on his path in education and pedagogy, and this field became an integral part of many lives.

After completing school in 1929, Abo Abramovich enrolled at the Native Jewish Institute of Enlightenment (Inpros) in Tashkent. Upon completing his studies in 1932, he was directed to Bukhara, where he engaged in educational work and taught mathematics. He actively participated in the fight against illiteracy in Uzbekistan, a country undergoing its own process of education and development.

In 1935, he moved to Tashkent and became the principal of School No. 10, named after Telman. Then, in 1939, he became the deputy principal of a school under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan.

In 1942, Abo Abramovich was conscripted into the army. Before being sent to the front lines, he underwent training at a military academy in Almaty. He participated in battles from the Kursk-Oryol Arc to Berlin and was awarded numerous orders and medals for his merits.

After the war ended in 1945, Abo Abramovich returned to Tashkent and continued his educational work. He initially served as the principal of School No. 74 and later, starting in 1954, he worked as the deputy principal of School No. 90. He was an exceptional educator and had a significant impact on the lives of his students.

Abo Abramovich was not only an outstanding professional but also a unique soul—kind, compassionate, and ready to help without expecting anything in return. He lived his life in a way that his memory will remain in the hearts of many generations.

Photo: Abo and his wife Dora and his son Yuriy.

In 1939, Abo Abramovich met his future wife, Dora Pinhasova. Together, they raised three children, a son named Yuri and two daughters, Riva and Dina. They were blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Photo: Dora Mavasheva with her children: Yuriy, Riva and Dina.

Abo Abramovich Mavashev passed away in 1976, but his influence on those around him and his legacy will live on for a long time. In 1979, Riva’s family, and in 1993, Yuri’s and Dina’s families, along with their mother, emigrated to the United States, where they continued their lives and work. Dora Aboarievna lived a happy life until 2005, leaving behind vivid memories and kind hearts. They were bright individuals, and their memory will forever remain with us.

From the memories of Riva Gavrilova (Mavasheva) Daughter of Abo and Dora.

It has been almost 40 years since our dear, universally respected, and deeply beloved father passed away. Despite the brevity of his life—only 60 years—he left an unforgettable mark in the hearts of his family, close friends, and former students (and there were so many of them over his 40-year teaching career that counting them is simply impossible). His influence still lives on in our hearts. Even today, when I meet esteemed members of our community who were once his students, they warmly reminisce about him. I can’t help but feel proud to be the daughter of such an extraordinary man.

As I reflect on my father today, memories of my childhood flood my mind. We were born and raised in the ZhEKovsky housing complexes in the heart of Tashkent. Our courtyard held 14 apartments, and we all lived as one big family, always ready to help each other, in an atmosphere of friendliness and goodwill.

Photo: Yuriy and his wife Vera (Drikker) and son Robert

Photo: Robert with his wife Irine (Mavashev) and their children Jonny and Daina Babayev.

One of our dearest and most beloved neighbors was Aunt Zoya Sionovna, a relative of our mother, more precisely, the widow of Uncle Barysha, who never returned from the war. Aunt Zoya lived with her two children, Lev and Froza. For us, they were like older siblings. Aunt Zoya was my second mother, playing a significant role in our upbringing. She was not only an excellent educator but also a loving mother. No event was complete without her; she was talented and universally adored.

Photo: Arthur with his wife Ekaterina Gavrilov.

I consider myself fortunate that my childhood and youth unfolded in such a wonderful environment. Despite our relatively small apartment, it was always filled with warmth and coziness because our parents lived in harmony and love. Our father was strict but never punished us, and our mother was gentle and caring, preparing delicious meals and frequently hosting guests. We, the children, especially cherished the holidays, as after the celebrations, everyone would come to our home, and we would joyously celebrate together.

One memory that remains etched in my mind is when my father would place me on his lap and say, “You are my pride! After all, you carry the name of my mother.” These words always inspired me and motivated me to live up to my name.

Photo: Family of Arthur and Ekaterina Gavrilov.

Photo: Family of Alexander and Ruth Mavashev.

The main goal of our father’s life was to provide his children with a higher education, and his dream came true. My brother, Yuri, graduated from the Trade and Economics Institute and held a responsible position. I completed my studies in the Physics and Mathematics Faculty at the Tashkent Pedagogical Institute and worked as a teacher of physics and mathematics. My sister, Dina, also graduated from the same institute and worked at a school. Later, we successfully started our own families, and I am delighted that our father saw all his grandchildren during his lifetime. He was a caring father and a loving grandfather, dedicating much of his time to playing, organizing trips to the zoo, attending children’s morning events, and much more. Interaction with their grandfather was a great pleasure for our children, and they fondly remember him to this day. My eldest son carries the name of his great-grandfather—Abram Chaim (Arthur). He decided to commemorate the memory of his grandfather Abo and grandmother Dora by inscribing their names on the memorial plaque in the synagogue. If our father were alive today, he would be proud of his grandchildren.

Photo: David with his wife Dina (Mavasheva) Niyazov. Robert with his wife Rita Samandarova.

Photo: Family of Albert and Iren Niyazov.

Speaking of our father, I cannot help but recall our mother. Throughout her life, she stood by our father and was an incredibly kind, generous, and loving presence for all our family and loved ones—a mother we will never forget. She was a hospitable hostess, a faithful wife, a caring mother, a kind grandmother, and a great-grandmother. She became a widow at an early stage in her life, dedicating the rest of her years to us. She always treated our father’s relatives with love and respect, and they reciprocated her kindness. Her goodness charmed everyone. She took pleasure in giving gifts to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even more than ten years after her passing, they, now grown, remember her with warmth and respect.

The union of two wonderful individuals, our parents, serves as an example for us, our children, and grandchildren to emulate. We will never forget them. May the earth rest lightly upon them.

Photo: Family of Abo and Dora Mavashev. Standing from left to right: David with his wife Dina Niyazov, Yuriy with his wife Vera Mavashev and their son Robert. Sitting: Dora Mavashev and her grandchildren: Albert, Irina, and Rita.

From the memories of Frida Namatieva, niece of Abo Movashev (daughter of Shmuel).

Our uncle Abo, surprisingly, was a kind and gentle man who always tried to help anyone who asked. He had no sternness or arrogance about him, even though he appeared very strict and authoritative. I attended School No. 90, and my uncle taught us mathematics. He entered our class with an air of importance and strictness. By the middle of the lesson, he became demanding, but by the end of the lesson, he was gentle and caring. There were no poor students in his class; even those who struggled with math managed to get passing grades.

Abo’s tradition, along with his brothers Rafik and my father Shmuel, was that they often gathered at our house. The program was called “Pouring Out Their Souls.” Mom knew the entire program by heart in advance. They would pour out their souls about work, family, life in general, and reminisce about their comrades from the frontlines, both the living and the fallen. Throughout the evening, they would consume everything placed on the table, such as vodka and wine. Then Uncle Abo would say to my father, “Berta is such a good woman, there’s no better woman in the world. Bertochnka, please bring more wine.”

Mom would bring wine and snacks, placing them on the table. At the end of the evening, all three brothers would start to weep bitterly, lamenting and remembering their parents. It was very painful to watch as a child when three grown, educated, family men wept and lamented: “Where is our mother? Find our mother for us.” How could I, as a little girl, understand that these relatives and close people were sharing their innermost thoughts and sorrows in our home, grieving a real tragedy that had occurred in the family of their parents, Avraham Chaim and Rivka Movashev. And no one was ever supposed to learn about their pain. It took me years to understand what their family went through and why the survivors still carry a heavy heart. May their memory be a blessing.

Two years ago, I was contacted through social media by a friend of Uncle Abo, Gennady Malyutin. In archives and documents related to World War II, he found and shared interesting information with me. Here it is: “I know that Abo Abramovich was born in Stary Bukhara, lived in the Kuibyshev district of Tashkent, participated in the war from September 1942 in the rank of Guards Junior Sergeant and served as the chief of a radio station in one of the divisions of the 156th Guards Artillery Regiment of the 77th Guards Rifle Division. He fought on the Don, Bryansk, Central, and Belorussian fronts, was lightly wounded, and was awarded two medals – ‘For Courage’ and ‘For the Defense of Stalingrad.’ When searching for the burial place of my uncle, who died on 20.04.45 during the Berlin operation, I studied the history and combat path of many units and formations of the 33rd and 69th Armies of the 1st Belorussian Front. By following the link ‘Kulishenko Vladimir Vasilievich,’ you can trace the combat path of the 173rd Rifle Division, which was transformed into the 77th Guards Rifle Division after the Battle of Stalingrad, as well as its 979th Artillery Regiment, which became the 156th Guards Artillery Regiment (Abo Abramovich served as the chief of a radio station in this regiment’s 3rd division). In March, he became a Guardsman and was later awarded the ‘For the Defense of Stalingrad’ medal. By order of the 156th Guards Artillery Regiment No27-n dated 30.1943, he was awarded the ‘For Courage’ medal. By the order of the 156th Guards Artillery Regiment No56-n dated 13.07.1944, he was awarded a second ‘For Courage’ medal. The orders specify the reasons for the awards and are accompanied by commendation letters from immediate superiors. There are many cases of recommending servicemen for one medal, and different awards were established by the Army’s Councils. An excerpt from the commendation letter for Mavashev Abo Abramovich dated 9.2.45, signed by the commander of the 156th Guards Artillery Regiment, Guards Lieutenant Colonel Solodilov, reads: ‘On 14.1.45, during the breakthrough of enemy defenses near the village of Novetov, Comrade Mavashev, while advancing in infantry formation, maintained uninterrupted radio communication throughout the day, transmitting commands for the division’s firing positions. This allowed the division to destroy four tank machine guns, one mortar battery, and up to 17 German soldiers. During the assault on Radom on 16.1.45…he ensured continuous artillery fire against enemy firing positions. Two mortar batteries were suppressed, three heavy machine guns were destroyed, and up to 22 enemy soldiers. Worthy of the ‘Red Star’ medal.’ If you wish to verify this information, you can do so using the following link: http:/www.podvignaroda.ru/?n=2552079.”

From the Memoirs of Nikolai Gulkarov – Nephew of Abo Mavashev

Dear Uncle Abo, We miss you like never before. Why? Probably because your ability to solve problems and bring peace was always invaluable to us. Many of us have achieved our successes and enjoy our well-being today thanks to your advice, guidance, and cheerful humor. You were always warm and responsive, and even almost 40 years after your departure, people still remember the kindness you bestowed upon us.

I remember your incredible dedication and organization when you worked at School No. 90, one of the largest in Tashkent. The school operated in three shifts and also hosted evening classes for working youth. Your efforts were invaluable in solving all sorts of issues, from class schedules to administrative matters. You handled a multitude of responsibilities, even though the school had a principal and other administrators.

You didn’t just teach; you inspired teachers and helped with their personal problems. You were even asked to compile reports and represent the school before inspection committees. Your school was always a shining example for others. As time passed and principals changed, you remained steadfast in your position.

When I began my teaching career, you told me, “In the first year, you ruin children, in the second year, you learn yourself, and only in the third year, you’re capable of teaching children.” At first, I thought you were joking, but it turned out to be true. Many of us who dedicated ourselves to education feel ashamed of our first year’s work, especially in middle school. You were right, dear Abo Abramovich!

You were always a simple and approachable person. You treated us children as you did adults. You never ignored our desires and actions, always understood us, and even offered sympathy. We were candid with you, perhaps even more than with our parents. Your picnics by the lake or the Anhor River were always full of joy and hospitality.

We loved coming to your home. Despite the small communal apartment, you managed to accommodate our extensive Mavashev family, and we, as children, never felt out of place. Your home was always clean and tidy, and your neighbors held you in high regard.

When I was little, it seemed to me that everyone loved you because of your ample belly. I would gently approach and pat it, and you would playfully puff it up even more.

Your departure from this life came too early and not by your choice due to a medical error. Before the operation, we were all at the hospital, and you shared light-hearted humor, even as our parents tried to uplift your spirits. You always remained resolute and united, even in such difficult moments. The doctors couldn’t save you, but you remain our pride and happiness. We are grateful for everything, and your name will be carried forward with pride and respect.

With love, The Family of Nikolai Gulkarov