“I Was 31—The Same Age as Saltanat When She Was Killed”: Ex-Wife of Kuandyk Bishimbaev Recalls the Abuse in Their Marriage
Nazym Kaharman lived with Kuandyk Bishimbaev for 14 years and bore three children. She attempted to escape the tyrant multiple times but faced constant threats.
Nazym Kaharman spent 14 years with Kuandyk Bishimbaev, giving birth to three children during their marriage. She tried several times to leave the abusive relationship but was met with intimidation and threats.
For several days now, Kazakhstan has been witnessing a high-profile court case concerning the murder of 31-year-old Saltanat Nukenova. According to investigators, she died at the hands of her husband—former Minister of Economy Kuandyk Bishimbaev. The tragic event occurred during the night of November 8-9, 2023, at the Bau restaurant. Surveillance footage reveals that Bishimbaev brutally assaulted Saltanat for hours before leaving her to die. Nevertheless, he denies responsibility, claiming that Saltanat’s death resulted from an accidental fall.

Saltanat’s family only discovered the extent of Bishimbaev’s domestic abuse several months after the couple began their relationship. Initially, everything seemed fine from the outside, with Saltanat simply becoming less communicative due to family responsibilities. However, her brother witnessed a violent outburst when the ex-minister overturned a table in anger. Months later, Saltanat sent him photos showing bruises on her face and body, expressing her fear but also her desire to report her husband to the police.
The murder case of Saltanat Nukenova has become one of the most sensational in recent years. Former spouse Nazym Kaharman, who was married to Kuandyk Bishimbaev for 14 years and mothered three children with him, also commented on the trial. Initially, she spoke respectfully about her ex-husband but later hinted that their marriage was far from happy. Bishimbaev frequently vented his anger on her, blaming her for everything. Nazym had to summon all her strength to end the toxic relationship. Despite multiple attempts to leave, she was met with cruel remarks such as being “old and unwanted.”
- New Cause of Saltanat Nukenova’s Death Revealed—Bishimbaev’s Mother Pleads for Mercy to Save Her Son

“I remember being 31 years old—the same age as Saltanat when she was killed. Bit by bit, like a slow poison from my husband, my self-esteem and confidence hit rock bottom. Instead of happiness, I felt a black hole inside me that consumed all my energy and life force. For years, I wandered, attended women’s workshops and seminars, seeking answers everywhere—even consulting psychics. Ladies and gentlemen, spoiler alert: you are okay. If someone cheats on you, it’s not about you. It’s their story and problem,” Kaharman shared on social media.
Today, Nazym Kaharman maintains close ties with Saltanat’s family and offers them support in their grief. She also had a warm relationship with Saltanat herself and was always grateful when Saltanat looked after her children.
Photo credit: Social Media
Discover the latest news and current events in Real Life as of 04-02-2024. The article titled " “I Was 31—The Same Age as Saltanat When She Was Killed”: Ex-Wife of Kuandyk Bishimbaev Recalls the Abuse in Their Marriage " provides you with the most relevant and reliable information in the Real Life field. Each news piece is thoroughly analyzed to deliver valuable insights to our readers.
The information in " “I Was 31—The Same Age as Saltanat When She Was Killed”: Ex-Wife of Kuandyk Bishimbaev Recalls the Abuse in Their Marriage " helps you make better-informed decisions within the Real Life category. Our news articles are continuously updated and adhere to journalistic standards.


