Tupkaragan district of Mangistau region is located 40 km north-west of Taushyk village at the foot of Ongazy mountain near Sarytas-Koshak bay. Shakpak Ata cemetery and underground mosque (IX-X centuries) are the most beautiful examples of mosques.
According to local sources, Shakpak Ata was a hero who had a deep knowledge of Islam, brought up disciples, taught children, and became famous in the war with the Kalmyks. The interior of the mosque, built in the form of an artificial cave inside the rock, is arranged like a fence through the central hall and faces north, south, west and east. According to Serikbol Kondybay's mythological research, Shakpak Ata is a devil who eats the dead and is the ruler of snakes. His real name as a historical figure is Shakhmardan, who is the grandson of Shopan Ata. It is called Shakpak Ata because in the battle with the enemy sparks came out of his weapon. According to the legend, when Shakpak-ata touched one of his nails when he needed fire, the sparks would scatter. He was revered by the people for his power to make fire out of stone and burn the rain with fire.Historian A. Medoev sufi suggests that he lived in the IX century, and V.V. Barthold states that Shakpak Ata lived during the reign of the Uzbek khan in 1312-1342 (XIV century).
Reference: Kazakhstan sacred objects
of whole national importance. – Astana: Foliant, 2017. –233-234-pp.
