15 Sacred Sites of Kazakhstan

The history of the powerful healing mountain of Ungurtas is intertwined with a unique mystical branch of Islam. Its alternative name, “Navel of the Earth,” signifies an energetic beam that radiates vividly from the depths below. Pilgrims ascend its heights seeking physical purification and spiritual healing.

Legends tell of a legendary Sufi who found his sanctuary here at the twilight of his life. His students followed him, absorbing his wisdom and hanging on his every word until his last breath. Ungurtas is not merely a defined point; it is dotted with healing stones and grottos that harbor the strength of prophets. Even skeptics can feel the special energetic structure that influences the health of every visitor.

Ungurtas is located approximately 85 kilometers from Almaty, in the Zhambyl region of the Almaty province.

It is no coincidence that so many biblical stories are associated with Kazakhstan. The dimensions of the legendary Kazygurt Mountain in the western ridge of the Tien Shan range closely mirror the dimensions of Noah’s Ark as described in the Holy Scriptures. This area is aptly named “Keme Kalgan,” meaning the place where Noah’s Ark came to rest.

The mountainous region of Kazygurt is rich in archaeological sites and sacred zones. Prehistoric monuments of animals have been discovered here, and the Shilter-ata valley is marked as a holy site on the pilgrim’s map. Visitors often climb the Ata-ana rock, dedicated to the first humans, Adam and Eve.

This stunning sacred area is located 40 kilometers from the city of Shymkent.

A natural masterpiece captivates visitors in the Turkestan region, where guests find harmony and hope for the future in the “White Mosque.” The holy cave, Akmeshit, once sheltered a thousand warriors from the rain, a fitting refuge considering that before humanity existed, it was home to a massive dragon. Yet, it is not just its size that astounds; upon entering the grotto, one finds themselves in another dimension, where amidst rocks and stones, a paradisiacal oasis unfolds before them.

Surrounded by such lush greenery, it feels as if you are on an island in the ocean rather than amidst a mountain range. The enchanting songs of hundreds of extraordinary birds resonate, captivating all who enter and cleansing their energy with melodious trills.

The Akmeshit Cave (White Mosque) is located in the Baidibek district of Turkestan region.

One of the several renowned sacred summits of the Ulytau Mountains, this range is rich with tales of great ancestors. The burial site of the powerful commander Edyge, revered by the descendants of many tribes, bestows a special strength upon those who come to pay their respects. Each visitor is filled with the courage, confidence, and power that once characterized this legendary figure.

Here, men find concentration, a cool mind, and unyielding will. The surrounding area has witnessed significant events of the Middle Ages and was home to the main camps of khans. Upon arrival, one can feel the colossal energy born from these lands, a legacy passed down to the ancestors of modern Kazakh tribes.

This historical monument of national significance can be accessed via the village of Ulytau.

In the heart of Kazakhstan, nature itself performs wonders. This grove can truly be described as one of the most mysterious and enigmatic natural phenomena. The miracles occurring here defy scientific explanation, leading even the most hardened skeptics to believe in the power of the land. Top-Agash is imbued with secrets that simultaneously astonish with their beauty and unsettle with their peculiar oddities.

As you stroll along the grove, pay attention to the stones; some possess healing properties. Holding one of these boulders in your hand can cause ailments to flow away, sinking into the sand and taking illness with them from the human body. A little further ahead, a healing ravine reveals itself, surrounded by local legends of true miracles.

Top-Agash Grove is located in the Zhambyl region, approximately 60 kilometers from Taraz, near the village of Akyrtobe in the Ryskulov district.

Another peak of the Ulytau Mountains, Auliye-Tau is rich with sacred legends. The great ancestors serve as an ethnic memory of the origins of the Kazakh people. The legend surrounding this mountainous region is connected to six tribes, from which our nationality is said to have emerged. Akmeshit is regarded as a place of creation, a beginning that carries profound meanings and the sacred power of the past.

Since ancient times, this location has been considered a dwelling of the Gods, where the unity of man and nature is felt most intensely. For centuries, people have come here to worship, intuitively sensing the true grandeur of this mountain range.

To reach this remarkable site, one can visit the “Ulytau National Park.”

Here lies the tomb of the mystical preacher Arystan-Baba, known to Muslims as the man who taught Prophet Muhammad how to cultivate gardens. The central story revolves around a persimmon seed that Baba received from the Prophet Muhammad as an artifact, promising to pass it on to the saint Ahmed Yasawi 400 years later.

In the Middle Ages, Khan Timur Tamerlane ordered the construction of a mausoleum at his grave. The construction of this sacred monument was prolonged, as the ruler gradually forgot about his intention and shifted his focus to building another mausoleum. One day, the Saint himself appeared to Timur, reminding him of the importance of the shrine. Thus, Tamerlane ensured that this structure was completed during his lifetime.

The mausoleum is located 150 kilometers from the city of Shymkent, near the city of Otrar and the village of Shaulder in the Otyrar district.

The ancient city of Yasса, which later became Turkestan, gifted the Muslim world with the founder of the Sufi order and preacher Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. This revered spiritual mentor was a great scholar and talented poet of his time. Yasawi is a true pride of the Turkic peoples, and it is no surprise that a whole complex has been erected around his final resting place to honor the philosopher and saint.

Tamerlane ordered the transformation of the small tomb of the ancient Turkic preacher into a mausoleum. The memorial was surrounded by a sturdy wall with a rampart, serving as a fortress, and for many years it was regarded as the residence of local khans. In Central Asia, it is hard to find a more revered shrine in the Islamic world.

The mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi is located in southern Kazakhstan, in the city of Turkestan.

This elegant and refined mausoleum with its domes stands on the land where Nurila, the mother of the Kazakh people, is buried. Her name, Domalak-Ana, translates from Arabic as “divine light.” Visitors to this holy ground are blessed by Nurila with kindness, tranquility, and health. The location of this landmark contributes to its significance, as the tall mausoleum stands in the sunny Balabogen Valley on the slopes of the Karatau Mountains.

The holy figure passed away while in prayer, and her grandson erected a work of art over her grave in the shape of eight petals with a dome in the center. It is believed that Nurila continues to contribute to the prosperity of her people.

The mausoleum of Domalak Ana is located in the South Kazakhstan region, 165 kilometers from Turkestan, on the southern slope of the Karatau Mountains, in the valley of the Balabogen River.

The primary “female” monument in Shymkent is dedicated to the mother of the revered saint Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. This woman possessed life-giving energy, healing abilities, and the gift of interpreting dreams. She has become an ideal of motherhood, drawing thousands of women each year who long for children to pay their respects.

The current structure dates back to the 19th century, characterized by its unique aesthetics and purity, conveyed through the white burnt bricks from which this beautiful building is constructed. It was built with meticulous care and the finest materials, ensuring that even the wooden elements and ornamentation have remained in excellent condition to this day.

The mausoleum of Karashash Ana is located in the village of Sayram in the Turkestan region.

This monument is often referred to as a place of sorrow and love. Locals recount the tale of young Aisha, who was forbidden to marry her beloved. In a bold act, she fled her home, but on her way to her fiancé by the Asa River, she was bitten by a venomous snake. Today, women seeking the joy of motherhood come here for help.

The small, bright monument is a cubic structure with a single entrance facing east. Four columns grace its corners, and the entire design is adorned with intricate details: small columns, niches, and arches. Its origins remain a mystery.

The mausoleum of Aisha Bibi is located in the village of Aisha-Bibi in the Zhambyl district of the Zhambyl region, just 18 kilometers from the city of Taraz.

A symbolic figure of Kazakhstan, the wise and respected military leader Baidibek is associated with the honesty and prudence of the Kazakh people. His deeds were aimed at uniting the nomadic tribes into a single clan, the Uysun.

Baidibek is credited with actively consolidating fragmented tribes into one nation. In honor of this iconic figure, a complex named “Baidibek and the Five Holy Mothers” has been erected in the village of Baidibek. Although the original structure has undergone several reconstructions, remnants of the former construction can still be seen through the windows under the ceiling.

The mausoleum of Baidibek Karashauly is located in the village of Baidibek, 110 kilometers north of Shymkent.

In the desert, where life once thrived centuries ago, only the ruins of the ancient city of Sauran remain. This site, surrounded by clay walls, harbors remnants of buildings, colorful shards of pottery, and ancient white bones, dried by time.

Sauran, which flourished in the 14th century, served as the capital of the Acorda. The structures we see today as ruins were built between the 13th and 18th centuries. These ruins are now a monument of national significance, reminding us of bygone times.

It is believed that the great emir Timur used clay from Sauran to construct the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi.

The Sauran archaeological site is located at the junction of the Turkestan and Kyzylorda regions, 40 kilometers from the city of Turkestan.

This mysterious land, rich in captivating medieval history, continues to exist between mysticism and reality. A homeland of tales and legends, it is filled with enigmas that draw people in. The Kazakhs have always revered sacred places, and this list barely scratches the surface of the wonders that our nation holds. Pilgrimages to sites that offer spiritual and physical healing will guide travelers from north to south and from west to east, weaving an intriguing narrative of the life of an entire people.