Unique petroglyphs in the Nurata mountain range have been documented

During the research, petroglyphs located on the slopes of Qoraqismoqsay, Yetimsay, Alamlisay, Andoqsay, Oqmolashay, Kuyukdara, Burgansay, Jismonsay, and Sangijumonsay streams and gorges flowing from the Oqtog G‘ubdintog, and Qaroqchitog mountains of the Nurata mountain range were studied and registered. This was reported by the Cultural Heritage Agency.

In June–July of this year, under the practical project titled “Creating a Catalogue of Petroglyphs in the Central Zarafshan Basin”, significant archaeological research was carried out by the “Petroglyph Research Group” of the Yahyo G‘ulomov Samarkand Archaeological Institute under the Cultural Heritage Agency, led by the institute’s Deputy Director for Scientific Affairs, Azbiddin Kholmatov.

Within the framework of this project, petroglyphs on the slopes of the streams and gorges flowing from the Oqtoğ, G‘ubdintog, and Qaroqchitog mountains of the Nurata range namely Qoraqismoqsay, Yetimsay, Alamlisay, Andoqsay, Oqmolashay, Kuyukdara, Burgansay, Jismonsay, and Sangijumonsay were examined and documented using modern methods.

During the research, numerous images were identified that reflect the socio-economic life, beliefs, worldview, and perception of the animal world of primitive people. Among these depictions are figures of humans, primitive bulls and cows, lions, deer, mountain goats, horses, and kulans (wild asses). Particularly noteworthy is a scene showing mountain goats running while a lion chases after them. These petroglyphs serve as an important scientific source for studying the lifestyle, economic activities, and religious views of ancient peoples.