Holy Spring

In the Kurchum region of Eastern Kazakhstan there is a chain of high ridges known as Auliye Tau – “Holy Mountain”. At the foot of these mountains, where this ridge begins, there is a spring called Auliye Bastau – “Holy Spring”. Its water is crystal clear, icy even in summer, and does not dry up either in winter or in the heat. It flows continuously, without fatigue, as if breathing on its own.

There are no other bodies of water in the area, and this spring seems to miraculously live its own life. It does not carry its waters away – the water comes to the surface, smoothly sways the silvery sand at the bottom and, having run 4-5 steps along a thin channel, disappears without a trace. It has never frozen, never dried up. Always the same, as if it keeps an age-old secret within itself. Old-timers say: in the old days, sick people and mothers dreaming of a child came here. They spent the night at the spring, prayed, sought healing and hope. Old people still visit the spring to this day – they tie white rags to the branches, throw coins, whisper cherished words. It was not by chance that this spring was called Holy: they say it never refused anyone. It restored health to those who came with a pure heart and sincere prayer, filled the soul with peace. It is believed that the holy elder himself once walked these places. That is why both the mountain and the spring have since been considered holy and blessed.