Temir Abdal Underground Mosque

Temir Abdal Underground Mosque is surrounded by a necropolis that dates back to the late 18th – early 20th centuries. There you can see koytases and saganatams – types of gravestones that you can see only in the Mangystau Region. Koytases are stone tombstones with images of rams or weapons. Saganatams are rectangular stone fences with columns at the corners; the walls are sometimes decorated with ornaments.

Initially, the underground mosque consisted of two rooms; later one of the room’s ceiling collapsed. There is no light opening in the remaining room; the light enters through the low doorway. Some researchers assume that the mosque was built by Temir, a Turkmen from the Abdal clan, who was engaged in educational activities in Mangystau.

How to get there?

Temir Abdal Underground Mosque is located west of Mount Sherkala. This stand-alone mountain is visible from afar, so you won’t miss it. By the way, it’s worth visiting too.

The nearest settlement to the mosque is the village of Shetpe – it’s just 20 km (12.4 mi) away. The distance between the mosque and the city of Aktau is 170 km (106 mi). You can get there by car, but you will have to drive a 4WD vehicle because some roads are unpaved. You can also catch a train to the village of Shetpe and then rent a taxi. However, the best way to get to the mosque is by booking an organized tour. The region boasts many underground mosques and other historical sites that you’ll be able to visit with a tour.

Other tourist attractions near Temir Abdal Underground Mosque:

   •    Mount Sherkala
   •    Ancient Settlement of Kyzylkala
   •    Samal Gorge
   •    Akmysh Grove
   •    Airakty-Shomanay Mountains
   •    Otpan Tau Historical and Cultural Complex
   •    Karaman Ata Necropolis
   •    Zhaman Sauran Underground Mosque