Abstract
The article is devoted to the study of the cultural and tourist potential of the Great Silk Road in Kazakhstan with an emphasis on the cultural and historical monuments of Western Kazakhstan, in particular underground mosques and necropolises. The authors of the article describe the most significant historical and cultural sites of Mangystau, which are important centers of cultural exchange and religious interaction. The article emphasizes the importance of museums-reserves as a tool for preserving cultural heritage and developing tourism, and develops recommendations for creating tourist routes and improving infrastructure to attract tourists. The authors emphasize the importance of cultural sites as sources of forming national identity and developing international cooperation within the framework of UNESCO initiatives. Particular attention is paid to the use of mythological and historical narratives to form tourism products, which helps to increase the attractiveness of sites for visitors and increase their economic value.