«Bes Sausaq» – The Five Fingers Rock

(Source: M. Kaynaruly. If you go to the «Five fingers» … / M. Kaynaruly // Egemen Kazakhstan. – 2024. – July 2 (N126). – P. 24)   https://egemen.kz/article/367621-bes-sausaqqa-barsanhyz)

In the Katon-Karagay District of East Kazakhstan, there exists a colossal gray granite boulder bearing the deeply imprinted shape of a human right hand — complete with five fingers, as if pressed firmly into stone. This mysterious formation lies within the Chernov Forest Range of the Katon-Karagay State National Nature Park, roughly three kilometers eastof Maraldy village (formerly Fadikha), part of the Zhambyl rural district.
Locals call it «Bes Sausaq» — The Five Fingers. What amazes scientists and visitors alike is the incredible anatomical precision of the print: every joint, fold, and ridge of a human hand is mirrored in stone — including the phalanges, knuckle lines, and fingertip grooves. The shape thickens at the joints and tapers toward the ends, just like a real hand. Yet the scale is astonishing: the print is approximately 35 times larger than that of an average modern human hand.
The origin of this phenomenon has long been the subject of legend and speculation.
Some believe it to be the fossilized handprint of a giant human from a prehistoric time — perhaps millions of years ago. Others view it as the «Hand of the Prophet» — a sacred imprint left by the Prophet Muhammad himself, believed to bestow protection and blessings upon future generations.
Regardless of the interpretation, «Bes Sausaq» remains a powerful symbol in local folklore — a marvel of nature and mystery, inspiring awe and reverence for those who stand beneath its giant fingers.