On July 4, 2025, the Aigine Cultural Research Center hosted a meeting to interpret the petroglyphs of Zhaltyrak Tash in Talas Region, following a field expedition to the site from June 19–22, 2025. The event brought together archaeologists, ethnographers, museum specialists, bearers of traditional knowledge, and partners from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, both in person and online. Discussions focused on some of the site’s most striking and debated images, including the “Scythian panther,” “centaur,” “satyr,” and “yurt.” The “centaur” was reinterpreted by many as an archer on horseback, while the “satyr” was seen by some as a human figure with distinctive hair and shoes. Consensus emerged around the “Scythian panther,” whose tail was identified as a decorative ornament, possibly representing a kabylan — a predatory feline with symbolic importance in Kyrgyz tradition. The “yurt” image also prompted debate over whether it truly depicts a nomadic dwelling or a symbolic capsule-shaped form.
Participants emphasized that petroglyphs carry layered meanings and should be read within the broader narrative context of the rock panels. Archaeologist Oroz Soltobaev highlighted the importance of contextual interpretation, while traditional knowledge bearer Akylbek Murataliev urged looking beyond literal depictions to uncover deeper symbolic and cultural dimensions. The exchange of perspectives underscored the complexity of Zhaltyrak Tash and its significance as both a cultural and historical treasure of Kyrgyzstan.