Zufar Ayupov, a 74-year-old developer from Bashkortostan, is not only known for constructing a unique high-rise building in Ufa but also for his noble lineage. As the chairman of the Ufa branch of the Russian Nobility Assembly, Ayupov’s life story is intertwined with the history of his family, marked by resilience, war, and unexpected turns.
Ayupov discovered his noble roots in his childhood, learning from his maternal grandmother that his grandfather was a precinct officer, a merchant, and descended from nobility. During the Soviet repressions, documents proving their noble status were destroyed. His grandfather faced repression in 1937, prompting Ayupov to seek answers in the KGB archives years later.
His paternal grandfather, Murza Ayupov Yunus Ayupovich, was captured during World War I near Gdańsk, then part of East Prussia. He was spared from harsh labor when a wealthy German woman bought him as a servant. The situation took an unexpected turn when the woman, after her daughter’s husband died, proposed a marriage between her daughter and Ayupov’s grandfather.
Despite the cultural and religious differences, the marriage proceeded, and they had two sons. However, the situation changed again when an agreement on prisoner exchange was reached. Ayupov’s grandfather was sent back to Russia, leaving behind his German wife and children. He later fought in the Civil War and World War II, eventually becoming a translator due to his fluency in German.
After the wars, he returned to his village, where he was initially met with suspicion. He later graduated from the madrasah and lived out his remaining years, grateful for surviving the wars. Ayupov’s grandfather had urged him to find his German sons if he ever went to Gdańsk. Ayupov has not yet found them but has ordered a DNA search to see if a similar DNA result can be found in Poland or Germany.
In 1973, Ayupov graduated from the construction faculty of the Ufa Oil Institute. He later became involved in constructing housing, including a high-rise building in a working-class settlement. Despite the challenges and initial unprofitability of the project, Ayupov persevered, driven by his connection to the area and a desire to improve it.
He secured loans, managed complex logistical challenges, and overcame bureaucratic hurdles to bring the project to fruition. He also initiated the reconstruction of the park nearby, including building a church, a children’s school, a cafe, and public toilets. The project, though difficult, became a landmark achievement for Ayupov.
According to Ayupov, the Russian Nobility Assembly gives him the opportunity to meet interesting people who are well-versed in Russian history, including descendants of Russian nobles and European aristocrats. While the title of prince does not grant him any specific advantages, Ayupov values the opportunity to connect with people who share his passion for history and heritage.