A monumental fresco depicting Khiuaz Qayrqyzy Dospanova, a heroine of Soviet aviation, on a building in Aktau, Kazakhstan, celebrating her courage as the first Kazakh woman pilot of the “Night Witches” during World War II.

The “Night Witches” were Soviet aviators of the 588th Regiment, known for their daring night missions during World War II. They used light and rudimentary aircraft to harass enemy troops with deadly precision.

Credit: Elise Paqueteau (France)

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