On May 15, 2025, during the working visit to Tashkent, the Aigine Cultural Research Center team held an in-depth meeting with Professor Mukhitdin Khujanazarov, one of Uzbekistan’s most prominent archaeologists and a leading expert in Central Asian rock art. The conversation focused on the conceptual and methodological foundations for developing a regional digital platform for petroglyphs — an initiative aimed at uniting archaeological research, ethnographic interpretation, and community-based knowledge into a shared framework.
Dr. Gulnara Aitpaeva outlined Aigine CRC’s approach to combining scientific data with oral histories, legends, and traditional beliefs, ensuring that petroglyph interpretation reflects both material evidence and living cultural narratives. Professor Khujanazarov emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of archaeology, which draws on fields such as paleontology, ethnography, biology, and zoology while retaining its distinct scientific focus. He noted that petroglyphs often carry multiple layers of meaning, and that interpretations from scientific and community perspectives may differ — each offering valuable insights. He also stressed that many rock art sites now within modern national borders were historically part of wider cultural landscapes, making regional cooperation essential. His reflections reaffirmed the importance of balancing rigorous academic study with respect for the voices and knowledge of local communities, a principle that will guide the creation of the future regional petroglyph platform.