Back to category Published: 09 july 2022 Author: Zhanna Mukhatzhanova

Otpan Tau Historical and Cultural Complex

Otpan Tau, which translates from Kazakh as the Fire Mountain, is the highest point of the Mangystau Region, standing at 532 m (1745 ft). In ancient times, people lit up signal fires on the mountain top, in case of attack or any other danger. Rulers gathered on Otpan Tau to negotiate and make important decisions. From there, they also sent warriors to battle. Nowadays, there stands Otpan Tau Historical and Cultural Complex which encompasses a mausoleum, a museum, and several monuments.

The mausoleum

At the Otpan Tau Mountain top stands the 37-meter white stone Aksaray Mausoleum dedicated to Adai Ata. Adai Ata is a historical figure who played an important role in the formation of the Kazakh people. He is said to have lived around the 15th century and is the ancestor of the Adai clan. It’s worth mentioning that the territory of contemporary Kazakhstan was divided into three main territorial divisions – juzes. Each juz consisted of several clans. The division into clans still exists in Kazakh society.

On both sides of the mausoleum, there are two towers dedicated to Adai Ata’s two sons – Kudayke and Kelimberdi. The mausoleum consists of eight rooms which symbolize Adai Ata’s eight grandchildren.

Мавзолей Адай-ата на Отпан-тау

The museum

It showcases historical documents containing information about the clans, culture, and literature of Mangystau from the Stone Age to the present day. There you can see genealogies and symbols of Kazakh clans. The museum also displays information about religious monuments in the Mangystau Region, a map of underground mosques, and biographies of religious figures.

Monuments

A staircase of 362 steps leads to the top of the Otpan Tau Mountain, according to the number of spiritual places in the region. When you reach the top, you can see a 15-meter-high monument to Adai Ata’s spouse, who has become a symbol of all mothers. The monument is a female figure with symbols of the sun and the moon on her chest. The sun and the moon symbolize her two children – Kudayke and Kelimberdi.

Another unique monument is the Grey Wolf, which is believed to be a symbol of the Turkic peoples. The monument embodies perseverance, strength, and willingness to protect what is theirs. Our ancestors wished that the next generations would be endowed with such qualities of a wolf.

Near the mausoleum, there is also a huge bowl where the Fire of Unity is lit every year during the Amal festival on March 14.

How to get there?

The complex is 143 km (89 mi) northeast of the city of Aktau. The road will take you a little more than 2 hours. There are two ways: through the village of Tauchik and through the village of Shetpe. Both roads are about the same distance.