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Bashkir Developer Zufar Ayupov Discovers Noble Roots

Zufar Ayupov, the 74-year-old head of the Ufa branch of the Russian Nobility Assembly, recently shared the story of discovering his noble lineage and his experiences as a developer in Bashkortostan. Ayupov, who is also known for constructing a prominent high-rise building in Ufa, revealed details about his family’s history, including his grandfather’s experiences in multiple wars and his eventual repression.

Ayupov recounted his journey of uncovering his family’s noble roots, which he had known about since childhood. He described the challenges he faced in accessing KGB archives to find documentation that confirmed his family’s noble status and the subsequent repression his grandfather endured. His paternal grandfather’s experiences were particularly striking. He fought in World War I, the Civil War, and the Great Patriotic War.

During World War I, he was captured near Gdansk and forced into servitude by a wealthy German woman. He was later compelled to marry her daughter, a widow, before eventually being allowed to return to Russia as part of a prisoner exchange. He faced suspicion upon his return and later volunteered for service in World War II, using his German language skills as an interpreter.

Ayupov also discussed his experiences as a developer, particularly the challenges he faced when building a high-rise in a less desirable area of Ufa. He recounted the obstacles he overcame, including dealing with bureaucratic hurdles, securing essential utilities, and managing a construction site plagued by crime and environmental issues. Despite these difficulties, Ayupov persevered and successfully completed the project, driven by his personal connection to the area and his determination to improve it.

Regarding his noble title, Ayupov stated that it mainly provides him with the opportunity to connect with interesting people who are knowledgeable about Russian history. He has met descendants of Russian nobles living abroad and has interacted with contemporary European aristocrats. He emphasized the respect shown worldwide for the history of the Russian nobility, highlighting the active presence of the Russian Nobility Assembly with its numerous provincial branches across Russia.