On the evening of January 14, 2023, at the age of 61, we lost a beloved friend and colleague, Alois Nazarov - teacher of German, onomastician, historian, publicist, and a true enthusiast of nature and knowledge.
There are people whose mere presence enriches our lives. Alois was one such person, like a kindred flame, bringing warmth and light to everyone around him. A lover of nature, both wild and domestic animals, and the only expert in onomastics in the country, his interests spanned geography, history, local lore, and photography. His curiosity knew no bounds—crosswords, puzzles, and logic games were just a few of his passions, always seeking challenges that were anything but easy. He even took part in the television show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Alois was born on October 14, 1961, in the city of Uralsk into a family of teachers. In the late 1960s, his family moved to Volgograd, and two years later to Almaty, a city cherished by his parents. In 1978, he graduated with honors from Secondary School No. 55 and entered the German Language Faculty of the Almaty Pedagogical Institute of Foreign Languages, from which he graduated successfully in 1983. Even as a student, Alois developed a passion for scientific research. He worked in various universities across Kazakhstan and held positions at the Kazakh Academy of Sciences. Over the years, he also worked as a freelance journalist, publicist, and historian. He founded the website Planet of Names and Surnames in 2006, dedicated to the origins of names, family histories, and cultural genealogies across the world.
His website, www.Alnaz.ru, is an extensive resource that offers rich insights into the history and culture of Almaty—its monuments, architecture, and notable figures. Each page or publication is the result of meticulous research, demonstrating Alois’s dedication to uncovering and preserving knowledge.
Alois’s academic journey began in 1979. His research spanned many areas, including anthroponymy, the history of onomastic studies, sociolinguistics, and the local history of Almaty. His primary focus was on personal names and surnames, particularly those of the German population in Kazakhstan, as well as the names of Ural Cossacks and the diverse ethnic groups residing in Almaty. From 2003, he published three annual volumes on anthroponymy and wrote his own monograph. He also participated in scientific conferences and prepared two dictionaries of names.
Alois had an encyclopedic knowledge of Almaty, its architecture, and its historical figures—often more than one could find in Wikipedia. He always had a unique perspective, supported by archival evidence or first-hand accounts, and his wit, humor, and use of quotes from his favorite comedians added a spark to every conversation. His sharp observations and love for photography will forever remain in our memories.
He was a kind, inquisitive, and generous soul. His friends affectionately called him “The Genius” or “The Walking Encyclopedia.” He was a lover of geography and history, and his curiosity knew no limits. Whether it was a casual conversation or a serious academic inquiry, Alois always provided thoughtful advice, backed by solid sources.
In his free time, Alois enjoyed intellectual games, and many of us found ourselves inspired by his deep and expansive knowledge. He was also an avid outdoorsman, a lover of mountain tourism. As he once wrote, “During my hiking career, I completed 11 treks from Almaty to the shores of Issyk-Kul, and the number of weekend hikes is beyond counting—probably close to a thousand.”
His keen observation led him to write numerous articles and publications, including pieces on the Merke River, edelweiss flowers, Tian Shan bears, and the Charyn River. His website Northern Tian Shan Chronicles is filled with educational and insightful articles.
Alois’s father, Ilya Fedorovich Nazarov, was a World War II veteran, historian, and educator. Captured near Kharkov, he endured the horrors of concentration camps in Terezin, Mauthausen, Gusen, Wiener Neustadt, and Ebensee, before being liberated on May 5, 1945. Ilya Nazarov authored several documentary works, including Hello, Andrei, Everything Remains in Memory, and The Court is in Session, all of which can be found on a personal website Alois created in his father’s memory.
Alois also had an impressive photo archive, filled with the most vibrant and significant moments from various events. He never missed a gathering, always following up with detailed, insightful publications, including works on General-Governor Kolpakovsky, Paul Gourdet, and Andrei Zenkov, among others. His trip to India in August 2008 resulted in a fascinating series of articles on the country.
Alois was a man of many talents, and there are endless stories to tell about him. He found joy in the successes of others, read Erich Maria Remarque in the original German, and could passionately debate the quality of a translation.
Together with his mother, Lidia Mikhailovna, Alois cared for birds, street animals, and the environment around him. It’s hard to find the words to express the sorrow of losing someone so good and kind. The world may seem the same, but without him, something vital is missing.
As one friend said while bidding farewell to Alois: “He was always curious, always eager to explore beyond the horizon, choosing the most interesting, thorny, and challenging paths.”
The editorial team extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of our esteemed colleague, dear friend, and talented companion. We are grateful to everyone who reached out and supported his family in this difficult time. Farewell, dear Alois—you will forever live in our hearts.
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