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We are the children of those parents who were a thorn in the side of the Soviet government. Through exile, repression or persecution, they had to flee to Afghanistan. Many Kazakhs have sought refuge in China, Mongolia, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and other countries.

Though we were born and raised outside our motherland, our parents taught us the Kazakh language, traditions, and customs, with the thought that one day we would return to the country of our ancestors. But as long as the USSR existed, it was not safe. Then, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, a new law of voluntary repatriation was introduced for indigenous Kazakhs, who were given support to move.

It’s been more than 11 years since we moved. When we first set foot in Kazakhstan, it was a mixed bag of feelings: relief and joy, sadness and nostalgia, hope for a new life and great anticipation. Now all of our relatives, brothers, sisters, and children have returned to us; we are all close to each other. What else could we ask for? Especially at our age — 82-years-old — all we want is peace and tranquility in our home and in the whole country.

We’re not in a hurry right now. We are going from Aktau to Jetysay. We recently became relatives: our grandchildren got married, so we are kudagi to each other (grandmothers of the granddaughter-in-law and grandson-in-law). Each of us has three grandchildren, all of them have grown up. Therefore, we can only rejoice at their new victories and be proud that they can confidently make their next steps here in their native country.

At our age, a train ride is the greatest leisurely adventure. Here you can meet new people, learn their stories, tell them about yourself while drinking tea. Anywhere you go, Kazakh people are all brothers and sisters to each other. It’s possible to find your soulmate on the train.

We spent more than half of our lives as guests on foreign soil. So now, watching the steppe from the train window, is the greatest feeling.

Nurbiva and Reyma, photographed by Mario Heller (source)

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Mario Heller | LensCulture

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Kazakhstan by train, photographed by Mario Heller (source)

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Women prepare to bathe in the Bibi Fatima hot springs. The springs are named after the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad. Some believe the waters increase a woman’s fertility.

Photographed by Mario Heller (source)

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