Friendship forged in Afghanistan: a Dagestani and a native of Zainsk met after 43 years.

      Anvarbek Arslanov from Buynaksk came to visit his comrade-in-arms Albert Shakirov in Verkhnie Pinyachi.

      These days in the Zainsk district there took place a truly touching meeting that proved that true soldierly friendship knows neither distance nor time. Forty-three years after demobilization, comrades who had together endured the harsh roads of Afghanistan were able to embrace. Dagestani Anvarbek Arslanov from the city of Buynaksk came to visit his battle comrade Albert Shakirov in the village of Verkhnie Pinyachi.

      Their friendship began in 1980–1982, when they served together in a motor transport battalion of material support in the Afghan city of Kunduz.

      “We always try to keep in touch with the guys who went through that service,” says Albert Shakirov. “We had a strong international family serving with us: five guys from Dagestan, many comrades from Tatarstan. Army brotherhood — it is forever.”

      This visit was Anvarbek Arslanov’s first to Tatarstan, and the guest from sunny Dagestan was won over by the warmth and hospitality of the people of Zainsk.

      “They greeted me incredibly warmly and organized an amazing trip around your beautiful lands,” shared Anvarbek. “I had long dreamed of performing the prayer in the Kul Sharif Mosque in Kazan — and that dream came true; I felt truly happy. We visited the Kazan Kremlin. Our former deputy commander for rear services, Rasikh Zalyalov, who now lives in Kazan, acquainted us with the highlights of Tatarstan. It was unforgettable.”

      The guest’s itinerary was full. He visited the Verkhnepinyachinsky House of Culture, where he viewed with great interest the museum exhibition dedicated to the history and everyday life of the Tatar people. Anvarbek was particularly struck by a popular initiative — local residents weave camouflage nets for participants in the special military operation. The guest said that in Dagestan they also actively support the fighters, and that he and his son contribute to this common cause.

      But there were also moments of bittersweet sadness at this meeting. The comrades honored the memory of their fellow serviceman Ilgizar Gimazov from the village of Almaly, who tragically died in the line of military duty in Afghanistan. They visited his grave together to pay their respects and remembrance.

      Saying goodbye to Zainsk, Anvarbek Arslanov expressed deep gratitude for the warm reception.

      “It pleases me greatly to see how here, in Tatarstan, people of different nations live in peace and harmony. You are very hospitable people, you have wonderful nature and a rich history that you carefully preserve. I promise that next year we will return the same hospitality many times over — I await all my comrades to visit us in Dagestan!” he promised.

      This meeting, four decades later, became a living bridge between two peoples and a reminder that true values — friendship, loyalty and memory — are not subject to time.

      Aigul Yarullina

      More news about the event:

      Friendship tempered in Afghanistan: a Dagestani and a resident of Zainsk met after 43 years

      Anvarbek Arslanov from Buynaksk came to visit his comrade Albert Shakirov in Verkhnie Pinyachi. 13:30 19.09.2025 News of Zainsk - Zainsk

      Friendship tempered in Afghanistan: a Dagestani and a resident of Zainsk met after 43 years

      Anvarbek Arslanov from Buynaksk came to visit his comrade Albert Shakirov in Verkhnie Pinyachi. 13:08 19.09.2025 Zainsk-Inform - Zainsk