At 74, My Grandmother Chose to Fly

At 74, Rzakul azhe, a grandmother from Kazakhstan, recently fulfilled a childhood dream by paragliding over the scenic landscape of Ölüdeniz, Türkiye. Her instructor checked her harness as she smiled, radiating the joy of finally saying yes to herself after decades of waiting.

Following her flight, videos of her soaring through the sky became a social media sensation. The author, Fatima Kemelova, received numerous messages from journalists eager to interview her grandmother. This unexpected fame highlighted a deeply personal journey for Rzakul azhe, who had once suppressed her aspirations.

“When I married young, I buried all my talents deep inside my heart,” she shared with her granddaughter. “I tore up and burned every article and poem I had ever written because I thought my life from then on had to be devoted entirely to my family. I believed there was no place left for dreams of journalism or the arts.” Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the freedoms her granddaughter's generation now enjoys.

“

When I married young, I buried all my talents deep inside my heart. I tore up and burned every article and poem I had ever written because I thought my life from then on had to be devoted entirely to my family. I believed there was no place left for dreams of journalism or the arts.

However, the viral attention also brought criticism. Alongside messages of admiration, some comments questioned her actions: “What does she think she’s doing? She should stay home and watch television.” Others stated, “This is not how a Kazakh grandmother should behave. She should set an example for young people and spend her time praying.” These remarks underscored the persistent, deeply rooted expectations placed upon older women in Kazakhstan.

Traditionally, a Kazakh grandmother's role is often depicted as caring for grandchildren, supporting her children, and managing the household, with little room for personal travel or adventurous hobbies. Yet, Rzakul azhe's life challenges this stereotype. Her favorite saying, “Swim against the current,” reflects her lifelong refusal to be defined by hardship or societal scripts. Her pursuit of dreams has never meant abandoning her role as a mother or grandmother; she has four sons, four daughters, and 24 grandchildren, demonstrating that one role does not exclude the other.

“

Swim against the current.