MANGYSTAU UNDERGROUND MOSQUES INCLUDED IN THE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST

The “Underground Mosques of Mangystau and Related Sites” have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Republican State Enterprise “Kazrestavratsiya” prepared the nomination documentation for the site.

The historic decision was adopted during the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, held in Busan, Republic of Korea. The preparation of the nomination involved several years of research, organisational work and international coordination. As one of the key implementing organisations, RSE “Kazrestavratsiya” successfully carried out a comprehensive range of activities to prepare the nomination documentation required for the site’s inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The enterprise’s specialists provided a scientific justification for the Outstanding Universal Value of the site and ensured its inclusion in the UNESCO Tentative List. In addition, the nomination dossier was prepared, an ICOMOS evaluation mission was organised, and regular working meetings were held with UNESCO advisory bodies, as well as with Kazakhstani and international experts.

During the preparation of the nomination, scientific and technical documentation related to the conservation and management of the site was developed. In particular, a management plan, legal protection materials, maps of the protected and buffer zones, as well as other documents required under international standards, were prepared.

The component sites included in the World Heritage property comprise the underground mosques of Shakpak-Ata, Shopan-Ata, Beket-Ata, Karaman-Ata and Sultan-Epe. This status represents international recognition of the Outstanding Universal Value of these monuments and entails long-term commitments to their preservation.

RSE “Kazrestavratsiya” is currently continuing the scientific and methodological support of the World Heritage property. The enterprise carries out regular monitoring of the condition of the monuments, develops scientific research, conducts restoration and conservation activities, improves the Management Plan, and prepares periodic reports for the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

The inclusion of the Mangystau underground mosques in the UNESCO World Heritage List reflects the results of systematic work undertaken to preserve Kazakhstan’s historical and cultural heritage and marks a new stage in the protection and management of the country’s cultural heritage in accordance with international standards.