Naeem Tamim Al-Hakim

Okaz/Saudi Gazette

MAKKAH — First Lt. Tarosan Khoja Hajiyev, 94, a former member of the Red Army, from Uzbekistan is in the Kingdom to perform Haj. He had played a major role in World War II and saved several lives.

Hajiyev belongs to Andijan region in East Uzbekistan and has come to perform Haj for the time. He had sustained several injuries on his hand, leg and back during World War II battles, but has survived the pain, scars and the war to fulfill a life’s dream.

“I have escaped virtual death many times,” the World War veteran told Okaz/Saudi Gazette during an interview at his residence in Makkah. He said he suffered seven injuries while taking part in fierce fighting at Stalingrad.

Hajiyev said he was surprised when he was deployed in the frontlines during the war after attending military training for three and a half months. He was in charge of rocket launchers and there were 33 soldiers under him. Following a meritorious performance, he was elevated to the rank of first lieutenant.

The promotion enabled him to forget about his World War pains. He said the Germans were killing their enemies without mercy. “I was able to save many civilians with the support of other Red Army soldiers,” the veteran said. During the battle a bullet pierced his back causing a 6 cm deep injury that left its scar.

The former Russian soldier is in the Kingdom with his son to perform Haj with other military officers. He has 10 children, 38 grandchildren, 15 great-grand children and five grandchildren of grandchildren.

Asked about his prayers in the holy sites, Hajiyev said he would pray for his wife who died in 1995 and all other dead relatives.

Dr. Artiq Beik Yusufov, head of the religious affairs committee in Uzbekistan, said 75 pilgrims have come from his country for Haj this year.

He praised Saudi Arabia’s support and care for Uzbek pilgrims. “There is good coordination between the two countries regarding Haj matters. We have communicated with Haj Minister Dr. Mohammed Benten, who welcomed our pilgrims and facilitated all Haj-related procedures,” he added.

Yusufov said Uzbek pilgrims arrived to the Kingdom on two flights. Each pilgrim was accompanied by a relative and a doctor. “We have given extreme care to our pilgrims as they represent prominent members of the community including World War II veteran Hajiyev,” he said.

“The Uzbek government honors these soldiers annually by organizing special ceremonies and provides them with financial support, houses and cars,” the official said.

Haidar Sultan, an official from the Uzbek Haj delegation, said the war veterans were aged between 95 and 105 years but they are all in good health.

“The war veterans are performing the Haj for the first time in their lives and that they are extremely happy to be in the Kingdom for this once in a lifetime spiritual journey,” Sultan said.

Some Uzbek pilgrims are accompanied by their wives or children. “Each pilgrim is allowed to bring with him one family members,” he said.

He appreciated the services being provided to them by Saudi authorities, especially the party held in their honor by the Tawafa Establishment for Pilgrims from Turkey, Europe, America and Australia.