An important work is coming to an end — the creation of the Central Asian Petroglyphs Database. Behind this result are months of joint work, field research, discussions, verification, and trust. As a result, the database now includes 84 rock art complexes across the region: 28 in Kazakhstan, 14 in Uzbekistan, 4 in Tajikistan, 2 in Turkmenistan, 36 in Kyrgyzstan. The database was created through the efforts of long-standing and new partners of the Aigine Cultural Research Center in all Central Asian countries — archaeologists, ethnographers, researchers, local knowledge holders, and dedicated enthusiasts. It was truly a collective endeavor, bringing together different schools of thought, approaches, and voices, united by a shared goal: to safeguard and pass on this heritage. We sincerely thank everyone who took part in this process. This database is not an endpoint, but a solid foundation for further research, dialogue, and a respectful approach to the rock art heritage of Central Asia.

The “Blessing of Seven Mothers” project has officially been completed. However, the work in this area will not stop. The Aigine team will continue to publish the creative materials produced within the project. These include animated films, as well as the texts of blessings (bata) and laments (koshok). Within the project, seven laments were created — seven stories: Altynai, Ayzirek, Aykız, Rakhima, Ayturgan, Burulai, Aizada. The names of these girls and women must never fade from our memory. Unfortunately, this sorrowful list continues to grow with each passing year. Cases of violence against women, including killings by husbands or former partners, still occur. It is important for us that this issue does not disappear from public attention. We will continue to share the project outcomes step by step in order to keep the conversation alive and help ensure that this problem is not ignored.