Discover Kazakhstan’s Most Striking Architectural Marvel

The Central Mosque of Zharkent isn’t just a place of worship - it’s one of Kazakhstan’s most extraordinary architectural gems.

Visitors from around the world can’t stop talking about it, The Caspian Post informs via Kazakh media.

Located in the heart of Zharkent - a historic Silk Road city known since the 10th century and situated about 300 km east of Almaty - the mosque immediately surprises. At first glance, it looks more like a Buddhist temple or an ancient Chinese palace. And there’s a reason for that: it was built between 1887 and 1892 by renowned Chinese architect Hon Pike, with funding from local residents led by merchant Uali Akhun Yuldashev.

A Mosque Built Without a Single Nail

The standout feature? Its wooden structure, assembled entirely without nails. The intricate decorations combine plant, animal, and bird motifs, blending Uyghur traditions with Chinese artistic elements and elegant Arabic calligraphy. Even the composition of the bricks remains a mystery to researchers.

The complex includes a Friday mosque, a small mosque, the main portal, side gates, and a stone fence. Rising above it all is a 19-meter minaret, surrounded by 52 wooden columns crafted from Tien Shan fir. Golden crescents sparkle atop the roof, giving the building a festive, majestic presence.

Inside, the mosque has two floors - the lower level for men and the upper one (now closed for safety reasons) originally for women. The courtyard features a peaceful garden and a 14-room medrese, which today hosts museum exhibitions and workshops. The small mosque near the entrance has also been transformed into exhibition halls showcasing models of famous Kazakh mausoleums and traditional household items.

From Warehouse to One of Zhetysu’s Top Attractions

During the Soviet era, the mosque was repurposed many times - as storage facilities, a border barracks, even a cinema. After extensive restoration, it was turned into a museum and granted state protection.

Today, the Central Mosque of Zharkent is one of the most visited destinations in the Zhetysu region. Around 30-40 people visit daily, including tourists from France, Singapore, Japan, China, and other countries.

Kazakhstan currently has 2,850 mosques, all overseen by the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan.

And looking ahead - in July 2026, UNESCO will make a key decision on adding the Mangistau Underground Mosques to the World Heritage List, a move that could further spotlight Kazakhstan’s rich spiritual architecture.