Turkistan Region is making significant strides towards securing UNESCO recognition for the Arpaozen petroglyphs, an ancient cultural treasure hidden in the Karatau mountains. This initiative aims to safeguard and promote this historical gem while attracting international tourists and boosting the local economy.
The Arpaozen petroglyphs, nestled in the foothills of the Karatau mountains, have long been a hidden treasure of Kazakhstan's rich history. Recently, the regional governor, Darhan Satybaldy, paid a visit to the Sozak district to assess the condition of these ancient rock carvings, which hold immense historical significance.
"Karatau boasts a unique history and a rich ancient legacy, with the Arpaozen petroglyphs holding a distinctive place within it. This astonishing historical heritage is not widely known. Preservation of this open-air relic, which spans millennia, is imperative. For this, we rely on the expertise of historians and researchers," said Satybaldy during his visit.
Researchers have dated the petroglyphs in the Kelinshektau ridge area of Sozak to a period between 4,000 and 5,000 years ago. The Arpaozen site comprises three main groups of petroglyphs, representing various historical eras, including the late Bronze Age, the Saxon period, and engravings from the 18th and 19th centuries. In total, the site features more than 3,500 drawings, including depictions of humans, animals like bulls and camels, battle chariots, the sun, and other elements.
The significance of these petroglyphs was underscored in the late 20th century when approximately 50 images of military chariots and cargo carts were discovered. These illustrations suggest that the area served as a battleground in ancient times.
Among the wealth of petroglyphs in the Karatau mountains, these specific images hold particular value. Similar images can be found in the Zhetisu Region, especially in the Tanbaly and Yeshkiolmes areas, where they exhibit a consistent style and rare portrayals of draft animals such as horses and camels.
Bauyrzhan Baytanayev, a renowned academic from the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan, underscored the significance of safeguarding and actively promoting the Arpaozen petroglyphs.
"Our goal is to designate the area for the preservation of this historical heritage. Securing a place for these iconic stones on UNESCO’s list of cultural and historical heritage will attract international tourists, stimulate the growth of a tourism cluster, and create jobs. The Arpaozen petroglyphs hold immense potential. Therefore, we must preserve these stones from vandalism and graffiti," the scholar voiced.
In a collaborative endeavor aimed at safeguarding the petroglyphs, every one of them has been systematically documented and provided with individual identification records. Ongoing scholarly investigations in this field are anticipated to continue into the coming year.
Efforts are currently in progress to pursue UNESCO acknowledgment for the Arpaozen petroglyphs as significant historical and cultural landmarks. It is widely recognized that international cooperation among researchers is crucial to formulate suitable suggestions. This initiative not only aims to preserve an invaluable piece of Kazakhstan's history but also promises to elevate the region's cultural and economic standing on the global stage.
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