Regional seminar “Petroglyphs of Central Asia”

From 10 to 14 November 2025, the Aigine Cultural Research Center held a regional educational seminar titled “Petroglyphs of Central Asia” in the village of Kalmak-Ashuu, Chui Region. The seminar was organized within the framework of the project “Safeguarding Traditional Art through the Creation of a Unified Interactive Platform of Central Asian Petroglyphs” with the support of the Pawanka Fund.

The seminar brought together archaeologists, ethnographers, local historians, musicologists, and representatives of local communities from four Central Asian countries. The program was designed as an interdisciplinary educational space and included lecture sessions, group discussions, and practical activities.

Participants explored petroglyphs as archaeological sources, elements of living tradition, and integral components of the cultural landscape. Discussions focused on methods of interpretation, documentation, and preservation, the role of local communities, and the connections between rock art, epic traditions, crafts, and contemporary artistic practices.

As part of the seminar, the developing digital platform of Central Asian petroglyphs was presented. The platform integrates archaeological and ethnographic data, and participants jointly formulated shared principles for a responsible and ethical approach to this form of cultural heritage.