Former students and family members gathered in Queens to celebrate the teacher’s 100th birthday
A conference commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Yuriy Zakharovich Nektalov (1926–1983), a beloved educator from Samarkand, Uzbekistan, was held at the Bukharian Jewish Community Center in Queens on November 1.
Organized by several Bukharian Jewish cultural and community organizations, with media support from The Bukharian Times and Kaykov TV, the event brought together former students, relatives and community members to celebrate Nektalov’s legacy.
Rafael Nektalov, editor-in-chief of The Bukharian Times and chairman of the Union of Bukharian Jewish Writers, Poets and Journalists of the USA, delivered a presentation examining the educator’s role in the transformation of Bukharian Jewish society during the Soviet era.
A teacher of physics, chemistry and astronomy, Yuriy Nektalov inspired generations of students to pursue higher education and careers in science and technology.
Former students shared personal recollections of his intellectual curiosity, mentorship and dedication to teaching.
“He rediscovered the night sky of Samarkand for us,” recalled Zoya Kimyagarova, director of Samarkand’s School No. 26.
The conference also honored the contributions of fellow educators Boris Babaev and Nisim Mosheev, whose centenaries are being celebrated this year.
Speakers emphasized Nektalov’s lasting influence not only as a teacher but also as a mentor who instilled intellectual curiosity, integrity and a love of learning.
By Erin Levi
The Bukharian Times English Editor