Parau-bibi shrine

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Parau-bibi shrine

Parau Bibi shrine — Parau Bibi shrine

In every corner of Turkmenistan, there are sacred places steeped in ancient legends and traditions. One such place is nestled in the Balkan Velayat, along the transitional ridge of the Kopetdag Mountains. Amidst the eternal rocks, harmoniously blending with the picturesque mountain landscape, stands a small white mosque named after a courageous woman, Paraw-Bibi.

Once, a healing spring flowed here, its waters believed to possess miraculous powers. Though the spring has long dried up, the ancient mausoleum continues to attract new generations of pilgrims. The Paraw-Bibi shrine is revered as the protector of motherhood, and women come here to pray for the child they long for—whether it be a firstborn, a son when only daughters have been born, or a second child.

According to legend, Paraw-Bibi, a beautiful woman who once lived in these parts, was promised to the advancing enemies as a peace offering. Determined to resist, she retreated into the mountains, but was betrayed by a woman she knew. In her desperation, Paraw-Bibi prayed to Allah, who, in his mercy, parted the rocks, allowing her to enter and remain hidden forever.

Parau Bibi shrine

Pilgrimage steps to Parau Bibi shrine in the Kopet Dag range

The desert village of Parau viewed from Parau Bibi shrine in the Kopet Dag range

The desert village of Parau viewed from Parau Bibi shrine in the Kopet Dag range

Wishing for fertility for married women and good husband for girls. When the rock turn minimally, their wish will come true.

Wishing for fertility for married women and good husband for girls. When the rock turn minimally, their wish will come true.

At this sacred site, a mausoleum was erected, and beside it lies a massive stone where Paraw-Bibi is said to have prayed. Local lore holds that the stone still bears the imprints of her hands.

To the right of the steep path leading to the mausoleum, there is a large pile of stones. Tradition has it that the betrayer stood here, guiding the enemies. As a custom, each visitor to the holy site must add five stones to the pile. The local stones also have a surprising feature—they are said to «spin» around their axis, a phenomenon that fascinates visitors.

The mausoleum, built around the 11th century, is situated on a steep hillside southwest of the ancient settlement of Paraw. Visitors must climb 269 steps to reach the mazar. The height of the main facade of the building is 4.8 meters. Inside, sacrificial rugs cover the floor. In one corner of the mausoleum is a small cave, believed to be the very spot where Paraw-Bibi entered the mountain.

Immediately to the left, steps lead to a small side room that houses a collection of hair-related objects, including mirrors and combs. Female pilgrims often comb their hair in this chamber, as it is believed that Paraw-Bibi herself frequently visits this place to groom her hair.

Merv

Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan tour

From$2,700

11 Days / 10 Nights

Marvel at Ashgabat’s marble architecture
Explore ancient Merv ruins
Camp near Darvaza gas crater
Admire Bukhara’s historic madrasahs
Visit Samarkand’s Registan Square

Explore the treasures of Central Asia on this 10-day tour, blending Turkmenistan’s marvels—Ashgabat’s grandeur, the Karakum Desert’s fire crater, and ancient Merv—with Uzbekistan’s historic cities of Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand. A journey through history and modernity awaits!

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