Beket-ata Mosque, Mangystau

The Beket-ata Mosque, a revered pilgrimage site in Mangystau, was established in the 18th century by the renowned religious figure and Sufi, Beket Myrzagululy. Famed for his mystical life, the mosque sits in a remote desert area at the base of the Ustyurt Chink, 230 km east of Aktau.

This unique mosque, carved into a large rock, comprises four small halls. Some halls feature light windows in the ceiling; one contains Beket-ata's remains, another his staff, a third is the burial site of his sister, and the fourth is a women-only prayer hall. The halls' ceilings range from 2.7 to 3.5 meters high.

Born in 1750 near Atyrau, Beket was drawn to religion and science from a young age. He studied under the famous Sufi Bakirjan-khoja in Khiva's Shergazi-Khan madrassah. Over seven years, he absorbed extensive knowledge, even memorizing the Koran in just two years. Returning to his homeland, Beket began constructing underground mosques, with his first, the Ak Mosque, built at 24. This mosque later became the final resting place for his family members.

Beket passed away in 1813 or 1814 and was interred in his namesake mosque. He constructed four mosques during his lifetime, with some historians suggesting up to seven. Beket's life inspired numerous legends, such as his ability to teleport and his seasonal retreats to his mosques. Renowned for his peaceful nature, he was titled "batyr" (hero) and revered as a "auliye" (saint). Today, he remains a venerated figure in Kazakhstan's history.

The Beket-ata Mosque, first studied by archaeologists in the 1960s, was declared a historical and cultural monument of Kazakhstan in 1982. The 21st century saw restorations, including reinforcing the slope in front of the mosque, constructing a guest house for pilgrims atop the cliff, and building a lengthy stairway descent. A road to the guest house was completed in 2011. The guest house, which includes a dining hall, welcomes pilgrims and tourists alike, with separate sleeping halls for men and women. Visitors should respect local customs, such as removing shoes, women covering their heads, and refraining from indoor photography.

The mosque is accessible by car from Aktau, a 280-kilometer journey through Zhanaozen and Uzen. Previously, pilgrims traveled on a dirt road directly to the mosque. Nearby attractions include the Bozzhyra (15 km) and Kyzylkup (35 km) tracts, though off-road vehicles are recommended for these journeys.

Visitors to the Beket-ata Mosque are rewarded with a spiritual experience, descending the long stairway to discover a place of peace and harmony.