The memory of the legendary pilot - hero of the sky of Kazakhstan -
Monuments to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War in Almaty -
The monument to Sergey Lugansky is one of the most significant memorial sites in Almaty, dedicated to the twice Hero of the Soviet Union, Lieutenant General of Aviation, an outstanding Kazakhstani fighter pilot, a native of Alma Ata, who became famous during the Great Patriotic War. The monument was erected in honor of a man whose courage, bravery and loyalty to the Motherland have become an example for generations.
The monument is located in the central part of Almaty, surrounded by administrative buildings on Abylai Khan Avenue, corner of Gogol Street. This place is not just an architectural composition, but a living memory of a hero that unites history, patriotism and pride in his country.
History, information
The monument, the bust of Sergey Lugansky, was erected back in 1951, shortly after the end of the Great Patriotic War. The monument was erected on Stalin Avenue (now Abylai Khan), between Gogol and Oktyabrskaya Streets (Aiteke bi) – in the very center of the city, where the most important parades and rallies were held at that time.
The bust is made of bronze according to the model of the famous sculptor B. A. Pavlov, and the architectural part of the project was created by I. P. Belotserkovsky. The pedestal is made of gray granite, which gives the monument its rigor and monumentality. The height of the structure is about 4 meters.
On the facade of the pedestal there is a bronze cartouche with the text of the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated July 1, 1944 on awarding Captain Sergei Lugansky the second Gold Star medal for outstanding performance of combat missions and heroism on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War.
The text read:
"For exemplary performance of combat missions of the command and heroic deeds on the front of the struggle against the German invaders, to build a bronze bust of the Hero of the Soviet Union, Captain Sergey Danilovich Lugansky, and install it in the recipient's homeland."
The document was signed by Mikhail Kalinin, Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, and Alexander Gorkin, Secretary, Moscow, Kremlin.
This bust became one of the first monuments to war heroes in Kazakhstan and an important part of the post-war cultural landscape of Almaty. He represented not only military glory, but also the gratitude of the people to their defender.
Architecture and image
The monument is a bronze bust of Sergey Lugansky in military uniform, mounted on a strict granite pedestal. The image is designed in the classic manner of monumental art of the mid-20th century: clear lines, collected gaze, inner dignity.
The pilot's gaze is directed forward, above the horizon line, as if into the sky, where he spent his hardest and most heroic moments. In this image, you can feel the confidence, calmness and strength of a man who went through the war and became a legend during his lifetime.
The height of the monument, together with the pedestal, is about 4 meters, which makes it a noticeable accent of the square, but without pressure, it does not put pressure on the scale, but speaks about the hero calmly and confidently.
Sergey Lugansky is the legendary ace of the sky of Kazakhstan
Sergey Danilovich Lugansky (1910-1977) was born in the city of Verniy (now Almaty). During the Great Patriotic War, he flew more than 390 combat missions, personally shot down 37 enemy aircraft, and participated in major battles near Moscow, Stalingrad, Ukraine, and the Baltic States.
For his exploits, he was twice awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, in 1943 and 1944. After the war, he continued his service, taught at a military school, passing on experience to young pilots, and actively participated in the patriotic education of young people.
Lugansky was a man of iron will, discipline and kindness. His colleagues recalled that he was able to cheer and inspire confidence even in the most difficult situations.
The significance of the monument for the city
The monument to Lugansk is not just a historical object, but a place of memory and upbringing.
Veterans, cadets, schoolchildren, and tourists come to him. There are guided tours, they talk about the battles in the sky, about the price of Victory, about the people who did not return, and about those who returned and continued to serve the country.
Every year on May 9 and on memorable dates, flowers are laid at the bust, rallies and minutes of silence are held. For the people of Almaty, this is an informal symbol of gratitude and respect for their fellow countryman, the hero.
---------------------------------------------
How to get there and visit
The bust monument to Sergey Lugansky is located in Almaty at Abylai Khan Avenue, between Gogol Street and Aiteki bi Street, opposite the former building of the Republican People's Control Committee, next to Astana Square.
GPS coordinates: 43°15'31"N 76°56'26"E
The monument is easily accessible by public transport, taxi or private car. Suitable routes: buses: № 12, 22, 59, 88, 98; Trolleybuses: No. 5, 6
---------------------------------------------
Monument to Sergey Lugansky – the sky frozen in bronze
A monument, a bust, is a living link between times. They remind us that the feat does not fade over the years, and the heroes continue to inspire even after they leave.
Sergei Lugansky has remained not just a war hero – he has become a symbol of courage, loyalty and an unbroken spirit that always looks to the sky, wherever he stands – on a granite pedestal or in the heart of his people.
Photogallery:
