Tamgaly petroglyphs; a millenary testimony of culture and creativity
The Tamgaly archaeological landscape, located in the Chu-Ili Mountains, 160 km northwest of the Kazakh capital, is a historical treasure that stretches over 1000 hectares and is home to about 5000 petroglyphs. The petroglyphs, some of which date back some 4000 years, are carved into the rocks and were created by the Bronze Age and Iron Age nomadic tribes that inhabited the region, when the area was populated by the forerunners of the Scythian people.
Most of the petroglyphs at Tamgaly depict animals such as deer, horses and bovids, as well as scenes of hunting and warfare. There are also representations of gods and supernatural beings, of special importance the deities related to the sun. These striking figures, endowed with a radiant head, appear in several places along with dance scenes and festive representations.
Although most of the petroglyphs were made in the Bronze Age, there are also much more recent ones. From the medieval period there are figures of Turkish warriors on horseback, with banners and horse-drawn carts, reflecting the passage of different peoples through the region. Although in a minority, petroglyphs have also been found between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, which would demonstrate that the nomadic traditions managed to be transmitted from generation to generation, even conserving millenary rites.
Most of the petroglyphs are carved into the walls of the gorges and canyons in the area, making them difficult to reach. However, some of the larger, well-preserved petroglyphs can be found on the flat rocks of the riverbank.
Tamgaly's archaeological landscape offers a fascinating insight into Kazakhstan's early history, with an impressive display of rock art that has endured virtually into the last century.
The archaeological landscape of Tamgaly.
In the archaeological landscape of Tamgaly, meaning "painted place", there are also several burial monuments, called kurgans, dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages. These monuments are earthen mounds that cover the graves of ancient tribal leaders and warriors.
Tamgaly's scenery is spectacular, with panoramic views of mountains and gorges. There is a wealth of flora and fauna in the area, including numerous species of birds of prey, such as the golden eagle, griffon vulture and peregrine falcon.
The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 due to its great cultural and archaeological importance. It is a unique site of its kind and offers a fascinating insight into the life and culture of the nomadic tribes that inhabited the Kazakhstan area thousands of years ago.
To preserve and protect the petroglyphs and other monuments at Tamgaly, the government of Kazakhstan has established conservation measures and built a small visitor area with an information center and museum. Visitors can explore the site with the help of local guides and enjoy the natural beauty and cultural history of the area.
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