The underground mosque of Shakpak Ata is a unique place, one of the most impressive monuments of Mangystau, the peninsula located on the east coast of the Caspian Sea (Mangystau region).

This mosque is one of the most ancient monuments of Islamic architecture. Also, it has some links with cave temples of ancient religions: Zoroastrianism (fire worship), Hinduism, Buddhism and early Christianity. The photos were taken by Denis Frantsouzov.

At the foot of the mosque, on the slope of the hill, you can see an ancient necropolis. It is a vast cemetery that dates back to the early Middle Ages.

In Shakpak Ata, archaeologists found traces of the people of the Stone and Bronze Ages. For a long time, the cave was used by fire-worshipers.

Nature itself had created this place, and stonecutters only adapted it for their purposes. You won’t find the full symmetry and geometric perfection here. Everything was done simply and naturally. It is one of the main reasons of charming beauty of the mosque Shakpak-Ata.

Tags: Mangystau oblast

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