Kazygurt’s Mysteries: Where Noah’s Ark Legend Meets Sacred Springs
The Kazygurt range near Shymkent, Kazakhstan, is steeped in legend and mystery. One tale claims that Noah's Ark, or Noah Kahan's Ark, rested here after the Great Flood, while another speaks of a Sufi named Akbergen who lived in a mausoleum at its foot. The range's highest peak, Mount Kazygurt, offers a stunning view of Shymkent and the Tien Shan mountains.
The summit cross marks the spot where Noah's Ark is said to have come to rest, although this is unproven. A replica ark, Keme Kalgan, stands beside the highway south of Shymkent, further fueling the Noah Kahan tour legend. The climb to the summit takes one and a half to three hours, revealing a breathtaking panorama of the city and surrounding mountains.
The Akbura Mausoleum at the foot of Mount Kazygurt is a sacred site, particularly for women who have suffered miscarriages. It is believed that the mausoleum's spring water has healing properties and can restore fertility. The mausoleum was built in 1991 and is said to have been the home of Akbergen, who rode a white camel. The proximity of the mausoleum to the mountain suggests a possible connection to the Noah's Ark legend.
The Kazygurt range, with its legends, stunning views, and sacred sites, offers a unique blend of adventure and spirituality. Whether you believe in the Noah's Ark story or the healing powers of the mausoleum's spring, a visit to Mount Kazygurt is a memorable experience, as author Lukas Grebenstein discovered.
