SCIENTIFIC MISSION TO KYRGYZSTAN
RESEARCH ON PETROGLYPHS OF CENTRAL ASIA

From November 11 to 13, 2025, a scientific seminar titled «Petroglyphs of Central Asia» was held in the Ashuu Gorge, Chüy Region, Kyrgyzstan, organized by the Aigine Cultural Research Center (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan).
The purpose of the event is to exchange scientific experience in the study, interpretation and preservation of petroglyphs as a unique element of intangible cultural heritage. The seminar was attended by scientists, archaeologists, art historians and researchers from Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan).

The report was made by the head of the scientific project AР23488786 «Transdisciplinary research in the art education system: cultural memory and the phenomenon of national values in modern content» - Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, acting Professor Laura Kakimova. Her talk, «The Significance of Petroglyphs in Musical Culture as a Reflection of the Cultural Memory of the Kazakh People», explored the connection between petroglyphs and music within the framework of cultural memory.

The presentation emphasized the importance of petroglyphs in preserving the cultural code of the Kazakh people through a transdisciplinary approach, aligning with the project`s core goals and drawing considerable interest from participants.

The three-day scientific seminar organized in Bishkek by the cultural and research center «Aigine» was marked by high intensity and rich content.

On the first day, four thematic sessions were held, each addressing key issues related to the interpretation and understanding of petroglyphs within the framework of contemporary scientific approaches:

- «Is there a connection between petroglyphs and the cultures of modern Central Asian peoples?»
- «What systems of knowledge does contemporary archaeology rely on when decoding petroglyphs?»
- «Is it possible to recover the meanings of petroglyphs without the involvement of tradition bearers?»
- «What role do local communities play in the interpretation and protection of petroglyphs?». A panel discussion was also held on the topic: "What is interpretation and projection in the study of petroglyphs?".

On the second day, participants were divided into working groups to discuss the following themes:

- «The Petroglyph as a Living Interlocutor»
- «Between Interpretation and Projection»
- «Formulating Principles of Responsible Attitudes Toward Petroglyphs».
Participants identified key legal mechanisms and successful practices for the protection of petroglyphs and emphasized the importance of popularizing their sacred significance.

At the conclusion of the seminar, outcomes were summarized and directions for future research were outlined. Petroglyphs were emphasized as a unique and sacred form of cultural memory of humanity. Participants highlighted their significance not only as historical and cultural artifacts, but also as spiritual and symbolic representations reflecting the worldview and artistic consciousness of ancient societies. The systematic scientific study, in-depth interpretation, and preservation of petroglyphs were recognized as strategically important tasks aimed at strengthening cultural identity and transmitting the rich spiritual and artistic heritage to future generations.