The Mausoleum of Ukasha Ata

Located 55 kilometers north of Turkestan, in the Babaykorgan district near the foothills of Karatau, this revered mausoleum and well are recognized as a site of national heritage. Originally marked solely by a grave, local residents built the mausoleum structure in 1989-1990. It consists of two rooms: a small entryway and an elongated hall stretching 22.2 meters in length, 4 meters in height, and 4.6 meters in width, with seven small windows allowing light in.

Countless legends surround Ukasha Ata, one of which claims he was a disciple of the Prophet Muhammad. It is said that he was a warrior whom neither sword nor bullet could harm. His opponents, unable to find his weakness, finally learned through deceit that he was vulnerable only during his morning prayer. During this time, his enemies decapitated him, yet his severed head rolled across the ground, disappearing into the earth and reputedly emerging in Mecca, where the Prophet Muhammad learned of his disciple’s passing. Thus, the mausoleum has since become a revered pilgrimage site.

Over the years, the mausoleum has undergone several restorations and rebuilds. According to legend, the water in Ukasha Ata’s well appeared at the moment of his death, earning the well its holy reputation. People claim that the waters of the well are connected to the sacred Zamzam spring in Mecca. For some, a full bucket of water signifies that their wishes will be granted. A small yurt-like structure near the well, measuring 4.5 meters in diameter and 3.5 meters in height, covers a stone-lined, narrow tunnel descending up to 25 meters deep. Many visitors attempt to draw water, yet few succeed, as only the “pure of heart” may fill their bucket.

The well’s waters are said to possess healing qualities, and tales abound of lucky pilgrims who not only draw water but find flowers, amulets, and stones in their buckets—a sign of immense blessing. For many, a visit to Ukasha Ata’s mausoleum and well provides a deeply spiritual experience. Pilgrims begin with prayers at the mausoleum before proceeding to the well. It’s common to see large crowds and long lines, with visitors often bringing tents and shelters as waits can stretch into hours. Despite the wait, patience and camaraderie prevail, as everyone is here to seek blessings.

The well structure permits small groups to enter at a time, with each visitor taking an empty bucket to lower into the well. It’s said that only those with a “pure and enlightened soul” can lift a bucket brimming with water. Some find only a quarter bucket, others a half, and still others merely a trickle, while those truly cleansed of sin may bring up a full bucket. Nearby, a growing pile of broken buckets serves as a testament to the well’s challenge; many a hopeful pilgrim retrieves only fragments of what they once lowered, a poignant reminder of the well’s elusive blessings.

On rare occasions, visitors manage to retrieve small stones from the well, an extraordinary gift regarded as a unique blessing from above. Pilgrims say that the fullness of one’s bucket reflects the richness of their soul. Those who leave empty-handed often experience sorrow, yet for many, this outcome encourages a return journey, seeking divine mercy and spiritual cleansing. With each visit, pilgrims often find they retrieve more water, their perseverance a testament to their faith.