Here is a revised version of the story of Tatýana Tekinskaýa, a Teke girl who was taken away from her homeland during the Battle of Göktepe when she was 3 years old.
In 1881, at the tender age of three, Tatýana Tekinskaýa was swept away from her homeland during the Russian occupation of Gokdepe. She was taken to Moscow by Countess Milyutina, where she received her education. Initially, she attended a girls’ school and later the Ýelizaweta Teachers’ Institute. Growing up in Moscow, she embraced Russian culture and traditions, yet her love for her homeland and the Turkmen people remained unwavering.
Despite her limited knowledge of the Turkmen language and traditions, Tatýana eventually returned to her Turkmen roots. She made a remarkable choice by opting for the humble dirt streets of Turkmen villages over the grand boulevards of Moscow. Instead of teaching science in opulent halls and living comfortably with a substantial salary, she selflessly ventured to Turkmen villages, offering her knowledge to illiterate Turkmen children, often with no compensation but the simple plea of “just give them bread.”
Tatýana’s path diverged from a life with a Russian actor to marrying an ordinary Turkmen young man in her village. Leaving behind the mansion-like houses, ballets, and waltzes, she embraced her homeland and diligently learned her native language, Turkmen. Tatýana transformed into Artykgul, a Turkmen girl with an unyielding love for her country. She is not just an ordinary girl; she is an extraordinary example of devotion to her homeland, achieving remarkable feats for the Turkmen people.
Artykgul’s story serves as a source of inspiration for us all. Regardless of how far we may journey or how many developed nations we encounter, our Motherland remains a constant presence, patiently awaiting the return of devoted sons and daughters like Artykgul.
It lies within our hands, as Artykguls and patriotic citizens of this land, to propel our nation towards prosperity, to elevate it one step, and then ten steps, further. This country belongs to us and no one else. Our nation yearns for selfless individuals, ever ready to serve. The call of the Motherland is unceasing, and she will forever wait, because she is our Motherland—our enduring home.