Kazakhstan’s Ancient Underground Mosques Move Closer to UNESCO World Heritage Status

Kazakhstan is preparing to have five of its underground mosques officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, following a recent evaluation by the ICOMOS Technical Evaluation Mission.

A meeting between Governor of Mangistau Nurdaulet Kilybai and ICOMOS representatives focused on five ancient underground mosques-Beket Ata, Karaman Ata, Shakpak Ata, Shopan Ata, and Sultan Epe-in keeping with a directive from the President set at the National Qurultay. These sites were first placed on UNESCO’s Tentative List in 2021, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Since then, Kazakh authorities have taken multiple preparatory steps:

The Ministry of Culture and Information has compiled and submitted scientific and project documentation to UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris.

Protected zones around the mosques have been formally established.

Information stands have been erected, and photo and video materials produced to support their heritage value.

The evaluation mission included experts such as Prof. Kivilcim Çorakbaş Figen Balıkesir from Turkey’s Bursa Uludağ University and Dmitriy Voyakin, a member of Kazakhstan’s National Commission for UNESCO and ISESCO.

Highlighting the importance of the region’s heritage, Governor Kilybai described Mangistau as a place steeped in history-with underground mosques, mausoleums, and ancient necropolises that reflect centuries of spiritual and architectural tradition.

“The inclusion of these sacred sites in the UNESCO World Heritage List will not only safeguard the cultural legacy of the Kazakh people, but also boost cultural tourism and economic development throughout the country.”

This initiative forms part of the national Madeni Mura (Cultural Heritage) program, aimed at protecting and promoting Kazakhstan’s historical monuments.

In a related effort to make the sites more accessible, Mangistau earlier inaugurated a tourist route to the Beket Ata Underground Mosque, drawing both domestic and international visitors.