The Kunanbay Mosque is one of the most treasured landmarks of Karkaralinsk. It was built in the mid-19th century with funds from Kunanbay Oskenbayuly, father of the great Kazakh poet and philosopher Abay.
In 1849, after being elected ruler of the Karkaraly district, Kunanbay moved to Karkaralinsk with his family and entourage. Abay was only four years old at the time. Within a year, Kunanbay commissioned the construction of a mosque, which was completed in 1853. The building was made of hewn logs and later clad in planks. According to local accounts, young Abay often visited the mosque with his father.
The Soviet years brought hardship: the minaret was torn down, and the building served as a school, a warehouse, and eventually fell into neglect. Thankfully, in the 1980s, the mosque was restored and once again opened its doors.
How to get there?
Address: Karkaralinsk, 23 Kunanbay Kazhy St.
From Karaganda
The distance is about 230 km (143 mi). By car, the trip takes 4-5 hours. In 2024, the road was repaired, so the drive is comfortable. Regular buses and minibuses run from Karaganda to the town of Karkaraly.
From Astana
Karkaralinsk is roughly 370 km (230 mi) from Astana, or 5-7 hours by car. The most convenient route goes through Temirtau and Karaganda. If you’re traveling by public transport, take a train or bus to Karaganda and transfer to a local bus bound for Karkaraly.
Other tourist attractions near the mosque:
- Karkaraly National Park
- Three Caves
- Lake Bassein
- Nature Museum and Animal Enclosure
- Komsomol Peak
- Lake Pashennoye
- Lake Shaitankol