In any corner of Turkmenistan, one can find reserved places associated with ancient legends and traditions. One of them is located in the Balkan velayat, on the Kopetdag ridge. Here, among the eternal rocks, organically included in the picturesque mountain landscape, there is a small white mosque named after the brave woman Parau-bibi.

Once upon a time there was a spring here, whose water had healing powers. The reservoir has long dried up, but, like many years ago, more and more pilgrims are coming to the ancient mausoleum. This is because the Parau-bibi shrine is considered the patroness of motherhood. Women come here to pray and ask for the long-awaited firstborn, for a son, if only girls are born, or for a second child.

According to legend, the beauty Parau-bibi, who once lived in these places, was promised to be left at the mercy of the advancing enemies. Persisting in the fight against her enemies, the girl retreated into the mountains, but she was betrayed by one of the women she knew. Then Parau-bibi turned to Allah with a prayer, taking pity on the fugitive, he parted the rock where she entered in order to stay forever.

A mausoleum arose on this sacred place, and there is also a huge stone near which Parau-bibi prayed. Locals believe that the stone still keeps the traces of the palms of her hands.

To the right of the steep path leading to the mausoleum, one cannot fail to notice a large accumulation of stones. According to legend, a traitor stood in that very place, showing the way to the enemies. According to custom, every person visiting a holy place should throw five stones into a heap. In addition, local stones surprise visitors with their unusual ability, they "know how" to rotate around their axis.

The mausoleum, built around the 11th century, is located on a steep hillside southwest of the Parau settlement. You can get to the mazar by overcoming 269 steps. The height of the main facade of the building is 4.8 m. There are sacrificial felts on the floor inside. In one corner of the mausoleum there is a small cave: it is believed that it was here that Parau-bibi entered the mountainside.

Immediately to the left, steps lead to a small side room that houses a collection of hair-related objects, including mirrors and hair combs. Female pilgrims often comb their hair in this room, as it is believed that Parau-bibi herself often visits this place to comb her hair.