ARCHITECTURAL MONUMENT

One of the main attractions in Mangystau region is a unique monument of religious architecture – Underground mosque of “Shakpak-Ata”. The mosque is located on Tub-Karagan peninsula, more than 20 kilometers to the northeast from Fort-Shevchenko. It is considered as the oldest monument of architecture in Western Kazakhstan.

Shakpak-Ata underground mosque was carved on rock chalk cliffs. It The Sufis, who were hidden in this cave, practiced medical magic. They helped people, who come to the cave in order to recover from their illness. To do this, they left a sick man in the cave for one night. It was believed that during the night gracious spirit descend on patient and patient would get better. Moreover, until the present day people come to this place with hope to be healed from their diseases. According to archaeologists, the mosque was built in the IХ-Х centuries. The name was given in honor of the Sufi Shakpak-Ata, who lived here with his disciples during enemy attacks. He was a recluse in the last years of his life and he never left his subterranean abode.

The word Shakpak-Ata means “elder-flint”. According to one ancient tradition, Shakpak-Ata is not the name of the founder of the mosque. It is a nickname, which was given by his enemies during battles due to his arms, which sparked in battles. Researches had different opinions about the lifetime of Sufi: Academician Medoev argued that Shakpak-Ata lived in the IX century. Barthold’s opinion was that Sufi lived during the reign of Uzbek Khan, who ruled from 1312 to1342 years (XIV century). It was undeniable that Shakpak-Ata was a follower of Khoja Ahmed Yassaui’s teachings, and was one of the 360 saints, venerated in Mangystau.

The rock cave tombstones were on either side of the entrance to the mosque. There was suggestion that they belong to Shakpak-ata’s disciples or his closer people. It is unknown where exactly buried the Sufi. It makes to treat with special attention and awe towards all the graves. Some scholars argue that the main purpose of this sanctuary – doctoring. It is possible that servants of this place made monastic order for the treating patients.

Shakpak-Ata Mosque is a unique monument of religious architecture, perfectly preserved until the present day. Currently, it is considered to add Shakpak-Ata to the list of UNESCO World Heritage.