Shopan Ata underground mosque is a sacred object in Kyzylsu (northern edge of Tuyesu sand), located 42 km northeast of Kyzylsai village. Monument to historical and architectural art of XII-XIII centuries. He is closely associated with the name of Shopan Ata, one of the propagandists of Sufism. The mosque consists of 12 small rooms connected to each other. In front of the exit there is a cemetery with a curtain. It is said that Shopan Ata's daughter was buried there. There is a well at the bottom of the mosque.
According to legend, Shopan Ata was a disciple of the legendary Sufi Ahmed Yassavi, who followed the Hanafi school. One day, his teacher gathered his students and fired an arrow to preach Islam and Sufism to the world, explaining that they had to go where the arrow landed. Shopan Ata's arrow flew to Mangystau and fell into the hands of Bayan, a rich herdsman. Shopan Ata gets a job, but Bayan understands the purpose of his visit. The herdsman gives his daughter in marriage to Shopan Ata. Shopan Ata built an underground mosque at the foot of the mountain. Shopan Ata is known among the people as a spiritual nourisher who connected the religion of Tengriism and Islam.
Reference: Kazakhstan sacred objects
of whole national importance. – Astana: Foliant, 2017. –227-229-pp.
