Kazakhstan Family of Nine Celebrates Love, Chaos and a Mother's Award-Winning Devotion

International Women's Day Holds Special Meaning for This Family

Nurdaulet Karauylbayev and Aigerim Tazhimbetova are raising a house full of daughters. Ahead of the holiday, Liter.kz spoke with the mother of many about what daily life looks like in a home where only girls are growing up.

Aigerim and Nurdaulet married in 2011. Today, their family is well-known not only in their hometown but also on social media—they run a blog where they share their everyday lives, take on challenges, and join popular trends. Some of their daughters have already started their own accounts, trying their hand at blogging.

Life in their household is in constant motion. The house is rarely quiet, but as Aigerim puts it, that's exactly what makes its atmosphere so special.

"Our home is always full of laughter, warmth, and comfort—and I mean that literally, because it almost always smells like something delicious cooking," she says. "With seven girls in the family, silence is a rare thing. We often gather in the kitchen for tea, watch movies, or play board games. Their father especially loves spending time with them and always finds a way to play. As for me, I help with homework, take them to their activities, and try to give each one the attention she needs."

The eldest, Kausar, is 14, while the youngest, Ademi, is just a year and a half. In between are Zhanerik (12), Jasmin (who will turn 11 in March), Gaukhar (turning 10 in March), Balausa (7), and Aruna (5). Though the age gaps are noticeable, Aigerim notes that this is what makes the family so close—older sisters help the younger ones and gradually learn responsibility.

Aigerim says watching her daughters grow up is a joy all its own. Each has her own interests and personality.

"Some lean toward creativity—they love drawing or making things. Others choose sports, while some prefer reading. But no matter their differences, one thing unites them: they support each other. Our family has warm relationships, and the girls strive to be there for one another."

International Women's Day on March 8 is a special occasion in the Karauylbayev household.

"On March 8, the girls try to make me happy from the very morning," Aigerim shares. "They prepare in advance, making handmade cards, drawing, and coming up with little surprises. Every year, as they grow older, their gifts become more thoughtful and heartfelt."

Motherhood as a Daily Labor of Love

They say motherhood is a job with no days off, but for some, it becomes life's greatest creative project and an endless source of inspiration. For her dedication to raising her children, Aigerim was awarded Kazakhstan's prestigious Altyn Alqa ("Golden Pendant") medal, given to mothers who have borne and raised seven or more children.

For me, motherhood is true happiness. It was my daughters who taught me patience. Most importantly, I've learned to cherish life's simple moments—because it's in these little things that the real essence of family lies.

At the same time, she doesn't hide that she sometimes needs time for herself. She shares that in those moments, she can trust her younger daughters to the care of her older ones, who already feel a sense of responsibility for the family, while she goes for a walk to be alone with her thoughts.

Looking to the future, Aigerim emphasizes that, like any mother, she dreams of her children finding fulfillment. Yet for her, their inner well-being matters far more than professional success.