From Begging to Modeling: 9-Year-Old Uzbek Girl Becomes a Famous Model in Dagestan

From Begging to Modeling: 9-Year-Old Uzbek Girl Becomes a Famous Model in Dagestan

A 9-year-old Uzbek girl named Marhabo, who once begged on the streets of Makhachkala, Dagestan, has become a successful child model earning around 150,000 rubles (about $1,700 or 22 million soums) per month.

Marhabo moved from Uzbekistan to Dagestan with her parents when she was three. Soon after, her father was deported for violating migration rules, leaving Marhabo and her mother homeless. For nearly five years, they survived by begging on the streets.

One day, a tourist visiting the city noticed the little girl and took several photos of her, sharing them online. The photos went viral, quickly catching the attention of modeling agencies across Russia.

Today, Marhabo participates in fashion shoots and advertising campaigns, becoming one of the most talked-about child models in the region. She now lives with a woman named Jannet, who has officially taken her under guardianship.

Although her mother is still struggling to find a job, Marhabo’s success has dramatically improved their living conditions. Her story has touched many on social media — a moving tale of transformation from hardship to hope.