The 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, Republic of Korea, delivered a landmark announcement for our nation: the “Rocky Mosques of Mangystau” (Beket-Ata, Shopan-Ata, Karaman-Ata, Shakpak-Ata, and Sultan-Epe) have been officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Erlan Karin, State Counsellor of the Republic of Kazakhstan, announced the decision.

According to Erlan Karin, during the third meeting of the National Kurultai in Atyrau in 2024, the Head of State issued a direct mandate to initiate the nomination of the underground rock-cut mosques of Mangystau for inclusion in the UNESCO Heritage List. Securing a deserving place on the UNESCO list is a matter of great national pride, a high honor, and a historic achievement that carries immense responsibility.

“The rock-cut mosques of Mangystau served not only as places of worship, but also as vital centers of education and enlightenment in their time. Preserved within these stones is our people’s historical memory and the sacred legacy of our ancestors. By this decision, UNESCO recognizes these sites as outstanding examples of centuries-old spiritual, cultural, and architectural traditions,” noted Erlan Karin in his statement.

This milestone news significantly raises the profile of our country’s heritage preservation efforts and gives powerful momentum to ongoing historical, archaeological, and museum work.

Congratulations to the nation of Kazakhstan on this proud day of global recognition for our cultural treasures!

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