How to get by car to the Underground Mosque of Sacred Beket Ata?
Located in Ogland in the Mangistau region of Kazakhstan, the Underground Mosque of Sacred Beket Ata is a religious monument that dates back to the XVIII century.
Where is the Underground Mosque of Sacred Beket Ata?
The underground mosque is located between the northwestern tip of the Mangystau mountains and the western edge of the Ustyurt Plateau, completely isolated from everything else. Along the way, there are a couple of smaller points of pilgrimage where most groups stop.
Why is the Underground Mosque of Sacred Beket Ata famous?
The Beket Ata Underground Mosque, built by the Kazakh Sufi prophet and enlightener Beket Ata, is located in the Mangystau region’s Oglandy tract. Legend has it that Beket Ata constructed four mosques in Atyrau, Mangyshlak, and Ustyurt, with the largest being this underground one. Carved into a high rock, it served as a Sufi school where he taught, delivered sermons, and offered counsel. The mosque, with remarkable acoustics, includes a prayer hall and Beket Ata’s burial site. Pilgrims also visit the necropolis of Shopan-Ata, a revered sage. The mosque, associated with Beket Ata, an Islamic mystic, attracts hundreds of pilgrims annually. It consists of four rooms, with Beket Ata's tomb in one and his sister Akkuash's tomb in another, where only women may enter. Visitors are advised not to turn their back to the graves to show respect. The site is known for its peaceful and harmonious atmosphere, making it a significant pilgrimage destination for Kazakh Muslims.
How long is the road to the Underground Mosque of Sacred Beket Ata?
The road to the underground mosque has been totally paved since the 2020s. It’s a road in good condition. Starting from Uzen, the road is 97.2 km (60.39 miles) long. This is not a traditional attraction; it's a sacred place for Muslims, and there are very few Western tourists visiting it.