Nestled in the foothills of the Ustyurt Plateau in the Mangystau region lies the underground mosque of Beket-Ata, a sacred site of pilgrimage. The journey from Aktau takes about three hours, but upon arrival, you will be greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of a 17th-century religious sanctuary.
The mosque was founded by Beket-Ata, a revered Kazakh religious figure and preacher of Sufi Islam. During his lifetime, Beket-Ata was said to possess the gift of healing both the soul and body. People from far and wide came to him seeking relief from their ailments. After his passing, it was decided that he would be laid to rest within the very walls of the mosque he established. Even today, locals believe the site holds a special energy, and miracles are said to occur during visits to the necropolis, where pilgrims often find improvement in their physical and spiritual well-being.
Many legends and beliefs surround this place—about how and why one should journey here. It is said that if fate allows, you will reach the mosque, but if not, obstacles will arise to hinder your path.
To enter the mosque, one must descend 1.5 kilometers underground. Along the way, you’ll encounter a sacred spring, from which Beket-Ata himself is believed to have drawn water. This spot often attracts wild goats, foxes, and roe deer seeking refreshment.
The interior of the mosque consists of four chambers, one of which holds the tomb of Beket-Ata. Another room contains the remains of his sister, Akkuash. This chamber is reserved exclusively for women, who come to share their burdens and seek assistance. In one of the other rooms, Beket-Ata’s staff of wisdom is kept, while the last chamber serves as a prayer hall. It is believed that when leaving each room, one must exit backward, so as not to offend the spirits.
For many years, only pilgrims were permitted to enter the mosque. However, now anyone standing at a crossroads in life, seeking guidance or solace, may also visit. As you make your way down to the sacred site, it’s important to remember that photography inside the mosque is strictly forbidden.
Beket-Ata was born in 1750 near the village of Kulsary in the Atyrau region. During his life, he built four mosques. The first, known as the White Mosque (Ak-Mosque), is located in Kulsary. The second is carved into the chalk cliffs on the outskirts of Beineu village. The third mosque stands on the Ustyurt Plateau, and the fourth—the underground mosque—is cut into the rocky promontory of Oglandy.
Pilgrims preparing for the journey to the underground mosque are advised to bring ample supplies of food—baursaks (traditional fried dough), flatbreads, tea, sweets, and sugar. These provisions are later shared at a communal dastarkhan (tablecloth spread with food) near the Oglandy mosque, where every traveler is offered tea and a meal. Visitors are encouraged to contribute by helping to pour tea, prepare food, or wash the dishes, thus taking part in the communal spirit of the pilgrimage.
For those embarking on a pilgrimage to Kazakhstan’s sacred places, we recommend visiting another important site on the way to Beket-Ata—the Shopan-Ata Mosque. This underground mosque, built in the 12th or 13th century, is an earlier example of sacred subterranean architecture.
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