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/ Aulie Akmeshit Cave: A holy refuge in the mountains of Southern Kazakhstan
Aulie Akmeshit Cave: A holy refuge in the mountains of Southern Kazakhstan

In the mysterious expanses of the Baydibek district of the Turkestan region, a miracle of nature is revealed - the Aulie Akmeshit cave. This mysterious beauty, formed in a layer of limestone rocks, stretches for a length of 254 meters, a width of 65 meters and rises 25 meters. Here, water drips periodically, creating an atmosphere of a unique natural phenomenon inside the cave.

There is a green landscape inside the cave in an amazing way, and several trees have grown on its soil. This picturesque green retreat is different from the outside world. It is interesting that only here, in the cave of Akmeshit, the drops of water flowing from the roof bear the poetic name "tears of Ak Moldy". These tears are a source of nutrition for plants, creating a kind of sanctuary filled with life.


Melodious birdsong can often be heard in the cave, creating an atmosphere of mystery and sacredness. This unusual combination of natural phenomena gives the cave a special character and makes it a place of special reverence.


Akmeshit becomes a sanctuary for many pilgrims seeking fulfillment of their desires. Spouses who dream of offspring and those who seek healing from diseases come here. After fulfilling their requests, pilgrims used to leave stones in the cave, symbolizing the speed of achieving prayer and cherished desires.


From inside the cave, the sides look like shanyrak yurts, which gives this sanctuary a special flavor. There is a legend about a holy dynasty who lived in this area, who sewed yurts and descended the steps, giving this place more than one mystical story.


Another fascinating legend is associated with Esirkep Koigeldi batyr, who, during a campaign against the Kalmyks, encounters a downpour. More than ten thousand soldiers take refuge in the cave of Akmeshit and perform morning prayer. According to legend, they propose to name the cave in honor of the hero, but the batyr himself categorically objects, emphasizing its sacred character: "These are the foothills of the mountain, endowed with the features of Karatau. We and our horses were protected from the rain below us. As they prostrated, they allowed us to pray. The stones inside the cave also look like white fabrics, creating incredible protection. Probably, this is a special holiness, so let's call it - Akmeshit" 


Akmeshit Cave is one of the most popular and mysterious sights of the southern region.