Kazakhstan Underground Mosques Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Status
The mosques are Beket-ata, Karaman-ata, Shakpak-ata, Shopan-ata, and Sultan-epe.
They were included in the UNESCO preliminary list in 2021. Since then, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information has overseen the preparation of scientific and project documentation submitted to UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
In addition, protected areas were identified, information stands were installed, and photo and video materials were prepared.
Representatives of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) technical evaluation mission met with governor Nurdaulet Kilybay to review the nomination.
“Mangystau is a region with a rich history. It is home to underground mosques, ancient necropolises, and mausoleums, which are outstanding architectural monuments. As part of the Madeni Mura [Cultural Heritage] program, comprehensive work has been carried out to protect these monuments. As a result, five underground mosques have been included in the UNESCO preliminary list,” Kilybay said.
“The inclusion of these sites in the World Heritage List will not only preserve the historical values of our people but will also give impetus to the cultural and economic development of the country,” he added.
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Concluding the meeting, Kilybay confirmed that all further work will adhere to international standards.
Kazakhstan is the world’s largest landlocked country and the ninth largest in the world, with an area of 2,724,900 square kilometers.
It extends from the Caspian Sea in the west to the Altai Mountains at its eastern border with China and Russia.
Islam is the largest religion practiced in Kazakhstan, as more than 70 percent of the country’s population is Muslim.
Source: astanatimes.com
