Ishan Bazaar Mosque (Akmeshit). The origins are from the XVIII century.

In the mysterious foothills of the South Kazakhstan region, in Ordabasi district, on the eastern outskirts of the village of Akkoyly, an unusual architectural miracle rises – the Ishan Bazaar mosque. This building, despite its unfinished construction, is a unique representative of the cult architecture of Kazakhstan.

In the past, this place was the center of life in the Arys River basin, attracting believers from all surrounding lands. Fairs and bazaars flourished here, gathering crowds for the holidays. This is where the name of the structure itself and the surrounding area - Ishanbazar - came from.

The construction of the Ishanbazar mosque began in the 1880s and lasted for almost three decades, remaining unfinished. Nevertheless, this circumstance does not overshadow the architectural advantages of the monument. By the 80s of the last century, the Ishan Bazaar mosque was in a neglected state. 

Mosques of this type, like Ishanbazar, were called namazgah, mussala or idgah. They were built outside the city limits or near large villages with bazaars, serving as places of concentration of believers turning to the Almighty.

Historians describe the structure as follows: "The Ishanbazar Mosque, multi-domed and majestic, included nine rooms, including a spacious prayer hall of the mihrab, surrounded by square rooms. Arches connected the hall to the rooms, creating a sense of a single space. The corner hujras were intended for the imam and the students of the madrasah.

A majestic iwan, facing the sunrise, decorated the mosque, and above all this towered a central dome on a high cylindrical drum." The architectural techniques used in the construction of Ishanbazar date back to the time of the construction of Bibi Khanim in Samarkand (1399-1404).

In the 20s, a cast silver crescent was installed on the central dome. Local legends claim that at sunset and dawn the crescent moon shone, its light was visible at a distance of 15 km.

Today, of the original domes, only one small one has been preserved, under which there is a small room with ceiling beams dating back to the XVIII century.

The fate of the Ishanbazar mosque was not easy until the 80s of the last century. But there is hope that in the coming year the restoration work will continue, and the Ishanbazar madrasah mosque, now turned into a local historical museum, will open its doors again not only for pilgrims, but also for tourists who are ready to immerse themselves in the history and culture of this amazing corner of Kazakhstan.