Trip to Akmechet underground mosque on Emba river.

"A small detachment, riding on the left side along the bank, discovered a cave in a rut 10 miles from the place of overnight stay, skillfully worked in the marl; it had about 10 square steps and a very small opening; the walls, consisting of white, large-layered marl, were decorated with Persian, Tatar and Arabic inscriptions, which, judging by the fragments brought to me, were tombstones, and it is all the more likely that there is a cemetery nearby, established by many, stone-made monuments. The builder of this cave was a certain rich, pious Kirghiz, by the name of Beket, in whose honor it was named, the pious Beket inhabitant. They say he built four such monuments in his life: another is located near Mangyshlak; the third is up the Emba, the fourth is near Bayali, near the Aral Sea. He lived in them alternately during four seasons: in one in the spring, in another in the summer, in the third in the fall, and in the fourth in the winter."

Naturalist E. Everssman, participant in expedition of Colonel F.F. Berg. 1926.

Historical sights of Atyrau region.

Akmechet underground mosque is located on a small chalk hill at an altitude of 22 meters above sea level, in eastern part of ancient necropolis, 350 meters from left bank of Emba (Zhem) River, 6.7 kilometers to east and slightly north of Kulzhan Akmechet underground mosque, 29.6 kilometers to east and slightly north of Akkiztogay village, rural district of same name, 60.4 kilometers to northeast of city of Kulsary, in Zhylyoi district of Atyrau region. 
Akmechet underground mosque is one of the most significant spiritual and historical-architectural monuments of Kazakhstan. The mosque was built in 1773 by the Kazakh Sufi, educator and architect Beket Ata, when he was about 24 years old. It was the first of four underground mosques he created in Western Kazakhstan.
Beket ata used it as a place of prayer, study and spiritual guidance. In 1937, the mosque was destroyed, probably during the period of anti-religious campaigns. In 1997, it was restored, and today it is a complex of two rooms dug into the ground, connected by a corridor. In the main room, instead of a mihrab, there is a throne carved out of stone, against which a metal staff leans - a copy of Beket ata staff.
The mosque is carved out of solid chalk soil and consists of two rooms connected by three arched openings. In the south-eastern part of the room there is a mihrab facing Mecca. Niches and columns carved into the rock emphasize the special architectural feature of the mosque.
Three mausoleums were built in the upper part of the mosque. The ensemble of mausoleums and mazars of Akmechet have not only historical and artistic, but also great spiritual significance. The buildings are octagonal domed structures, under them there are two rooms. In one of the rooms there is a throne made of white stone, near which the imam reads prayers.
Akmechet is a place of pilgrimage and spiritual worship for many Kazakhstanis. It is included in the sacred map of Kazakhstan and is recognized as an important cultural heritage site. The underground mosque Akmechet is not only an architectural monument, but also a symbol of the spiritual heritage of Kazakhstan, reflecting the rich history and culture of the region.
Contemporaries suggest that this is the place where the educator, architect, clergyman Beket Myrzagululy (1750 - 1813) was born and raised. In 1771 - 1774, Beket built the underground mosque Akmechet. According to the oral sources that have come down to us, Beket Ata was widely engaged in educational, spiritual and healing activities, taught children.
Beket Ata lived in the second half of the XVIIIth century.
Geographic coordinates of underground mosque Akmechet: N47°08'43 E54°45'57

Authority:
"Religious and spiritual monuments of Central Asia". Author M. Khashimov. Publishing house "Saga", 2001.
http://www.madenimura.kz

Photographs by:
Alexander Petrov.