Beket-Ata mosque, Underground mosque in Mangystau Province, Kazakhstan.
The Beket-Ata mosque is a sanctuary carved into white limestone featuring four distinct chambers serving different purposes. The complex includes separate prayer rooms and burial spaces that visitors can explore throughout the site.
The sanctuary was established in the late 18th century as a center for Beket Myrzagululy, a revered Islamic teacher and healer. The site soon became a pilgrimage destination for those seeking spiritual guidance.
The mosque maintains traditional gender separation with designated spaces for men and women, reflecting Islamic practices observed in Kazakhstan. Visitors experience this custom directly while moving through the different chambers.
The sanctuary sits roughly 290 kilometers from Aktau and is reached via paved roads passing through several villages and towns. The best time to visit is during the cooler months when temperatures are more comfortable for walking through the site.
Many visitors walk backward when leaving the burial chamber as a sign of respect for the deceased. This practice has become so established among pilgrims that it now marks a defining moment of any visit.
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