UNDERGROUND MOSQUE
Shakpak Ata
One of the most unusual sights of Kazakhstan is located in the northeastern part of the Tyub-Karagan peninsula, along the slope of the majestic Ungazy Mountain. The cave is not a natural formation, but a creation of human hands. It was carved from a single stone slab. The shape is more like a cross — the cave was hollowed out long before coming to the territory of Kazakhstan, and later converted into a mosque.
Legends of Shakpak-ata
People with different faiths come to the cave for different purposes. Someone is waiting for healing, someone wants to talk to God.
According to local legends, a long time ago, a healer Shakpak-ata lived in a cave on the mountainside. People came to him from all the surrounding territories for healing of soul and body. Centuries have passed, the elder has died, but people still come to the cave so that the power of the ancient healer can help them.
According to another legend, a great warrior lived in the cave. He was named Shakpak-ata (translated as "The Elder-flint"), because even at an advanced age he did not lose his mighty strength.
People with different faiths come to the cave for different purposes. Someone is waiting for healing, someone wants to talk to God.
According to local legends, a long time ago, a healer Shakpak-ata lived in a cave on the mountainside. People came to him from all the surrounding territories for healing of soul and body. Centuries have passed, the elder has died, but people still come to the cave so that the power of the ancient healer can help them.
According to another legend, a great warrior lived in the cave. He was named Shakpak-ata (translated as "The Elder-flint"), because even at an advanced age he did not lose his mighty strength.
Entrance to the mosque is free. It is open to the public until sunset. Silence should be observed inside, especially if there are pilgrims in the cave. There is no dress code, but it is better not to stay in the mosque in short shorts and skirts, T-shirts and dresses with open shoulders.
Archaeologists have found traces of the activities of people of the Stone and Bronze Ages here. Later, followers of Zoroastrianism, who came to the lands of Kazakhstan from Iran, worshipped fire in the cave. And to this day, fire worship has been preserved in the customs of the people of this area, along with Islamic traditions. Now fire-worshipping pilgrims bring a special altar, shirak, to the cave, strips of cloth soaked in mutton fat are kindled in it and turn to the fire, as if washing with this flame.
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130000, c. Aktau, 2nd Microdistrict, 47B Building, BC Sunkar, 7th Floor, Office 717
130000, c. Aktau, 2nd Microdistrict, 47B Building, BC Sunkar, 7th Floor, Office 717
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