Nestled at the foot of the Karatau Mountains, near the city of Kentau, lies the Zhylagan Ata Cave. This enchanting site, situated at an elevation ranging from 1,242 to 1,412 meters above sea level, is located approximately 54.5 kilometers north of Turkestan, on the southern slope of the Karatau ridge. The nearest parking area is about 2 kilometers from the spring, requiring visitors to traverse a picturesque gorge by following a gentle downhill trail on the left side, heading northwest. This comfortable path leads to two single-story structures and a shelter perched at 1,033 meters above sea level, along the left bank of the Zhylagan Ata River. Here, since early April, a watchman has been present to maintain order and assist pilgrims visiting this sacred site.
From the lower adobe house, a trail extends approximately 100 meters along the riverbank towards the springs that emerge from the fissures and crevices of the cliff on the left bank. To facilitate crossing the river, two sturdy pedestrian bridges have been constructed.
Adjacent to the springs, on the western slope, lies the entrance to a small grotto, positioned about 15 meters above the ground. The grotto’s opening stands 3 to 4 meters high and spans 8 to 9 meters in width, extending approximately 20 meters in length. It was formed through the displacement of rock strata.
The Zhylagan Ata River, measuring 20.2 kilometers in length, originates on the southern slope of the Syrdarya Karatau ridge at an altitude of 1,460 meters above sea level, nestled between the Zhylagan Ata and Katparsak areas. The river springs forth from a series of natural fountains.
A veil of mystery surrounds this location, attributed to the enigmatic behavior of the water that flows from the mountain cave. Uniquely, the water emerges unpredictably. At times, it stops flowing entirely, while at other moments, it bursts forth suddenly and forcefully, resembling a waterfall. Visitors can never be certain when the water will begin to flow, with some waiting days for its appearance. Local superstition holds that the water only gushes forth when the Quran is being recited. People who journey specifically to witness this phenomenon may find themselves waiting for weeks until the spring finally flows. It is believed that pure intentions are essential; if one’s motives are sincere, the desired outcome will manifest.
Gazing at the dry crevice in the sheer rock face, people recite prayers, all seemingly frozen in anticipation of a miracle. Suddenly, the tranquil atmosphere is shattered by a woman’s jubilant cry: “Keldy, keldy! It has come, it has come!” In an instant, a tumultuous torrent of crystal-clear water erupts from the rock, scattering thousands of sparkling droplets in its wake. The delight is boundless! People, fully clothed, rush beneath the icy streams, tilting their heads back, laughing and celebrating, drinking in the precious moisture with childlike exuberance.
This miraculous event is seen as a sign that their prayers have been heard and that the Almighty is bestowing upon them what they have requested. Some pray for family well-being, others for children, and some seek healing from grave illnesses. For some, the water arrives within moments of their prayers, while others must wait for days.
According to local legend, there lived an elderly couple named Gurzykhan-Ata and Shash-Ana. They had never been blessed with children and turned to the Almighty, pleading for a child to comfort them in their old age. Hearing their prayers, Allah set forth a condition: the mother must carry her long-awaited child in a leather pouch for seven years until he was able to stand on his own.
The elderly woman bore this heavy burden for a long time. Overwhelmed one day, she cried out in despair, pleading that such a trial was beyond her strength! In that instant, the unborn child sprang forth like an angel and swiftly began to depart, proclaiming, “You could not endure just one more day until my birth, and now I must leave you forever.” He vanished into the crevices of the rocks and disappeared into the cave atop the mountain.
Devastated, the father of the unborn child wept bitterly, his sorrow manifesting in a waterfall of tears at that very spot. The cliffs on the opposite bank of the river wept alongside the distraught mother, who shed her tears in mourning. As he departed, the angel instructed them: “On your way back to the village, do not look back; otherwise, the spring will not bring its pure waters to the people living there.”
Unable to resist, Shash-Ana glanced back at the departing angel, and the waters vanished, never reaching the village.
P.S. To this day, scientists have yet to unravel the mystery of this waterfall that appears from nowhere and disappears into the void. Yet, for those who come seeking it, it always offers hope.
Geographical Coordinates of the Zhylagan Ata Cave and Spring: N43°50’40.59″ E68°21’14.24″
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