The first day of the regional gathering, held from 10 to 14 November as part of the project “Safeguarding Traditional Art through the Creation of a Unified Interactive Platform of Central Asian Petroglyphs,” has concluded. The event is supported by the Pavanka Foundation.
The meeting brought together archaeologists, ethnographers, local historians, music researchers, herders, and farmers from four Central Asian countries.
Four sessions took place on the first day.
Session 1. Are there links between petroglyphs and the cultures of modern peoples?
Zhanerke Shaigozova (Kazakhstan) explored the parallels between archaeological findings and living cultural expressions, showing how petroglyphs, ornaments, and myths reflect shared systems of signs and symbolic thinking common to both ancient and modern peoples.
Lutfia Mirzaeva (Uzbekistan) discussed the connection between petroglyphs and traditional crafts in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, emphasizing the continuity of patterned motifs that pass from stone to fabric, metal, and ceramics.
Laura Kakimova (Kazakhstan) reflected on the possible influence of petroglyphs on the emergence of traditional music, noting that imaginative representations are sometimes echoed in musical forms and rhythms, and that the act of creation itself is part of a musical process.
Session 2. On what body of knowledge does contemporary archaeology rely when interpreting petroglyphs?
This session focused on archaeological approaches and ways of interpreting the meaning of petroglyphs.
Marina Bedelbaeva (Kazakhstan) examined petroglyphs as reflections of sacred space, noting the presence of images of sacred plants that symbolize the link between humans and nature.
Nabidjon Rahimov (Tajikistan) presented current methods of studying and recording petroglyphs, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Kadicha Tashbaeva (Kyrgyzstan) shared the results of her many years of work at the Saimaluu-Tash complex and proposed viewing petroglyphs as a “visual epic.” In her view, the stories depicted on the rocks resonate with the epics Avesta and Rigveda.
Gayrathon Mukhtarov (Uzbekistan) shared his experience in studying and safeguarding the petroglyphs of the Chatkal Range.
Zhannat Soodokeev, Deputy Director of the open-air museum-park “Petroglyphs of Cholpon-Ata,” presented the diverse contributions of scholars from different disciplines to understanding this heritage as part of the cultural landscape of Issyk-Kul.
Session 3. Can the meanings of petroglyphs be recovered without living tradition bearers?
This session was devoted to the challenges and possibilities of perceiving petroglyphs as living heritage in the absence of tradition bearers.
Avdinabi Kadyrov spoke about the petroglyphs of Kara-Egize (Batken Region) and approaches to finding connections between ancient imagery and contemporary cultural practices.
Firuza Salimova (Uzbekistan) presented research on the Sangruntau petroglyphs, discovered accidentally during studies of animal remains, stressing the need to preserve them as part of a unified cultural whole.
Emma Usmanova (Kazakhstan) discussed careful methods of reconstructing the content of petroglyphs, linking this process to the fundamental concepts of cultural studies.
Session 4. What role do local communities play in the interpretation and preservation of petroglyphs?
The final session of the first day focused on the role of local communities in the study and safeguarding of petroglyphs.
Gamal Sooronkulov (Kyrgyzstan) emphasized the importance of engaging young people in learning about and documenting petroglyphs, noting the need to foster curiosity and responsibility among the new generation.
Nurbek Mamytov, a local historian from Naryn, spoke about the difficulties and contradictions faced by local researchers and activists working to protect petroglyphs. His presentation sparked an active discussion on cooperation between archaeology enthusiasts, professional scholars, and government representatives at different levels.
Bauryjan Alpysbaev shared his experience of registering and protecting the petroglyphs of Baytleu, where he also runs his agricultural household.
Olga Gumirova (Kazakhstan) described the work of the “Petroglyph Hunters” organization, which collaborates with a wide range of people and institutions — government officials, deputies, entrepreneurs, and researchers. She emphasized that this experience could be useful for studying and safeguarding petroglyphs in other countries of the region as well.
