Back to category Published: 31 july 2022 Author: Zhanna Mukhatzhanova

The Town of Zhanaozen

Zhanaozen is an industrial town located in the Mangystau Region, western Kazakhstan. It was founded in 1964 when oil and gas were discovered there. The city is situated 150 km (93 mi) southeast of the city of Aktau.

From the moment it was founded to 1993, the town was called Novy Uzen. Then it was renamed Zhanaozen. In 2012, the aksakals (the old and wise of the community) proposed to rename the town in honor of Beket Ata, a prominent religious leader who built an underground mosque east of Zhanaozen. However, people did not support this idea.

You won't find any tourist attractions in Zhanaozen. Travelers usually visit the town on their way to Mangystau's most notable destinations such as Beket Ata and Shopan Ata Underground Mosques, Bosjira Tract, and Karynzharyk Hollow. There are several hotels in Zhanaozen where you can stay overnight.

Economy

Zhanaozen is the center of the oil and gas industry. The town-forming enterprise is OzenMunayGas, the branch of the KazMunayGas oil company. Zhanaozen also produces dairy products, furniture, and specialized clothing.

Жанаозен

Population

Zhanaozen is a multicultural town hosting Kazakhs, Russians, Karakalpaks, and Uzbeks. People mostly speak Kazakh and Russian. In 2022, the town's population is a bit over 82 thousand people, and more than 160 thousand people if you count nearby rural areas. Every year the population grows by 3 thousand people.

How to get there?

Zhanaozen is located 150 km (93 mi) away from the city of Aktau; the road will take you 1.5-2 hours. You can get there by bus, taxi or car. Passenger trains do not run to Zhanaozen. Organized tours often include Zhanaozen in their itineraries so people could get rest there or buy supplies.