Expert Meeting at the National Academy of Manas: As part of the project “Digital Journey into the World of Intangible Cultural Heritage,” an expert meeting organized specifically for Aigine CRC by the National Academy of Manas took place. The sections dedicated to Kyrgyz oral folk art and epic storytelling in the database were discussed. Experts highlighted the significance of this database for cultural and educational fields and proposed its integration into educational programs.

Participation in UNESCO Evaluation Body Summer Session: From July 7 to July 11, the summer session of UNESCO’s Evaluation Body under the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was held in Paris. During the session, 65 nominations from various countries were reviewed and evaluated. Aigine CRC has been participating as a representative of the Asia-Pacific region since 2022.

Discussion on the Zhaltyrak-Tash Petroglyphs: On July 6, an important meeting dedicated to interpreting the petroglyphs at the Zhaltyrak-Tash complex in the Talas region was held at the Aigine CRC office. The Aigine team visited this complex from June 19 to June 22, 2025. The meeting focused on significant images such as the “Scythian panther,” “centaur,” “satyr,” and a presumed depiction of a “yurt.” Archaeologists, traditional practitioners, and partners from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan participated. A lively debate arose around the “centaur” and “satyr” figures, with participants suggesting the “centaur” could represent a rider with a bow, and the “satyr” might depict a person with hair and footwear. Mythological interpretations were also discussed. The “Scythian panther” was identified as a kabylan in Kyrgyz tradition, with the tail-like feature interpreted as an ornamental element. The “yurt” depiction required further analysis for accurate interpretation and dating. Archaeologists Oroz Soltobaev and Akylbek Murataliev emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to understanding petroglyphs, urging deeper analysis of their overall context. Documentation work on the petroglyphs is part of Aigine CRC’s Central Asian Petroglyph Database project.