From June 19 to 22, 2025, the Aigine Cultural Research Center carried out a three-day expedition to one of Kyrgyzstan’s least-studied yet visually striking petroglyph complexes — Zhaltyrak Tash, located in the upper reaches of the Ür Maral River in Bakai-Ata district, Talas Region. The field team documented dozens of rock carvings, adding valuable material to the understanding of Kyrgyzstan’s ancient visual heritage.
Among the most remarkable findings was a panther figure whose tail is shaped like a traditional Kyrgyz ornamental pattern. The team also recorded images of yurts, warriors, female hunters, centaurs, satyrs, a minotaur, intricate hunting scenes, and sacred symbols. Each carving was examined not only as an archaeological artifact but also as a bearer of cultural memory, linked to traditional narratives, epic storytelling, and the spiritual worldview of the Kyrgyz nomadic tradition.
The Zhaltyrak Tash complex, a high-altitude rock formation densely covered with engravings, is tentatively dated from the 2nd millennium BCE to the 8th century CE. Despite its richness, it remains largely unknown to both national and international researchers. This expedition marks an important step toward preserving and studying this exceptional site, ensuring its stories, artistry, and symbolism remain part of Kyrgyzstan’s living heritage.