Type of monument
Monumental art structure
Year of installation
2011
Location
Aktobe, Beibitshilik Avenue, 13a
Sculptor / architect
Sculptor: Zhenis Zhubankosov
Architect: not specified
Status
Monument of local historical and cultural significance
View on map
2GIS: https://2gis.kz/aktobe/geo/70030076157389770
Historical background
On 26 April 1986, one of the largest technological disasters in human history occurred at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Thousands of people from different regions of the Soviet Union were involved in eliminating the consequences of the accident. Among them were residents of the Aktobe Region.
Between 1986 and 1990, Aktobe residents who participated in the liquidation work operated under conditions of radiation danger and contributed to the protection of human life, the environment and the safety of future generations. This memorial sign was erected as a tribute to their courage, civic responsibility and selfless service.
Description of the monument
The memorial sign consists of three main parts: a stylobate, a pedestal and a sculptural composition depicting two human palms holding the symbol of an atom. The total height of the monument is 2.4 metres.
The atom placed in human hands symbolizes not only the power of science and technology, but also the responsibility that humanity bears before society and nature. The inscription on the pedestal is dedicated to Aktobe residents who took part in the liquidation of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident in 1986–1990.
Opening of the monument
The memorial sign was solemnly unveiled on 30 August 2011 in a public garden on Beibitshilik Avenue in Aktobe. Its installation coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the 25th anniversary of the liquidation of the Chernobyl disaster.
The ceremony was organized to honour the surviving liquidators, commemorate those who passed away, and preserve the historical memory of the contribution made by Aktobe residents.
Why is this monument important?
This monument is not only a place of remembrance for the liquidators of the Chernobyl disaster, but also a symbol of humanity’s responsibility in the age of nuclear technology.
It reminds younger generations of civic duty, courage in dangerous situations and service to society. Within the memorial landscape of Aktobe, this site unites the ideas of humanity, sacrifice and historical memory.
What to notice when looking at the monument?
First of all, notice the two human palms and the atom placed between them. This is a concise but powerful artistic image: the palms symbolize protection and responsibility, while the atom represents science, danger and the fate of humanity.
There are no unnecessary details in the composition. This allows the viewer to focus on the central message — the courage of those who helped eliminate the consequences of a technological disaster and the responsibility of humankind toward nature.
Did you know?
In 2010, Aktobe held a design competition for the memorial sign dedicated to local residents who participated in the liquidation of the Chernobyl accident. A special commission reviewed several projects and selected the concept proposed by sculptor Zhenis Zhubankosov.
By placing the atom in human hands, the author combined several meanings in one image: danger, protection, responsibility and remembrance.
Audio guide
You are standing in front of the memorial sign dedicated to Aktobe residents who took part in the liquidation of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident.
On 26 April 1986, the Chernobyl disaster changed the lives of thousands of people. Residents of the Aktobe Region were also sent to the disaster zone to help eliminate its consequences. Despite the radiation danger, they fulfilled their duty for the sake of human safety.
At the centre of the composition are human hands holding the symbol of an atom. This powerful image reminds us that the strength of science must always be accompanied by human responsibility.
Every visitor who comes to this monument honours the courage of the liquidators and gains a deeper understanding of the value of peaceful and safe life.
Read more
Adilet.kz — State List of Local Historical and Cultural Monuments of the Aktobe Region:
https://adilet.zan.kz/kaz/docs/V20C0007334
2GIS — location on the map:
https://2gis.kz/aktobe/geo/70030076157389770
Kazinform — Monument to Chernobyl liquidators unveiled in Aktobe:
https://kaz.inform.kz/news/aktobede-chernobyl-apatyn-zhoyushylarga-eskertkish-ashyldy_a2401716/
Aktobe newspaper — information about the monument project:
https://aqtobegazeti.kz/?p=7205