The second day of the regional seminar continues, organized by the Aigine Cultural Research Center 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.”
Today’s program focuses on understanding petroglyphs as a living source of knowledge that reflects the worldview of both ancient and contemporary peoples of the region. The morning session featured a group activity titled “The Petroglyph as a Living Interlocutor.” Participants watched excerpts from Aigine’s documentary “The Secret Power of Petroglyphs,” after which they divided into six groups for hands-on discussion.
Each group received six photographs of petroglyphs from different sites across Central Asia. The participants were asked to share their interpretations of each image using two approaches — interpretation and projection. Through lively discussions and creative exchanges, the groups presented their reflections in various forms — from explanatory charts to short performative sketches that brought ancient images to life.
In the afternoon, participants divided into groups according to their fields — archaeology, ethnography, local studies, and traditional knowledge — and shared their thoughts and dreams about developing the study, transmission, and preservation of knowledge related to petroglyphs. Among the ideas proposed were creating a ballet inspired by the images of petroglyphs and even sending information about them into space.
After the group work, project coordinator Meerim Aitkeeva presented a website on the petroglyphs of Central Asia that is currently under development, where not only archaeological but also valuable ethnographic materials on each complex are being collected.
Later, an active discussion took place on terminology in the field of petroglyph research. Participants agreed that each country should develop its own system of terms while maintaining precision and attentiveness to avoid contradictions or misunderstandings.
The day concluded with the Umai Sham ritual conducted by Aigine expert Chynara Seidakhmatova.
