Tanbaly Petroglyphs

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Tanbaly Petroglyphs

The Tanbaly petroglyphs are a remarkable ancient monument of rock art located in the Zhetysu region. This archaeological wonder is nestled in the Anrakhay mountains, about 170 kilometers northwest of Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, and just 4 kilometers from the village of Karabastau.

In 2004, the “Petroglyphs of the Archaeological Landscape of Tanbaly” became the first rock art site in Central Asia to be inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. It features several thousand petroglyphs, all clustered within a relatively small area of the Tanbaly Gorge. This sacred site, dedicated to sun worshippers, was first discovered in the late 1950s, with more extensive research beginning two decades later. It was initially explored by an archaeological expedition from the Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh SSR, led by Anna Maximova, who was the first archaeologist to study the Tanbaly petroglyphs. Over time, other experts joined the research, and this archaeological treasure became a national symbol of Kazakhstan, known for its unique compositions and incomparable significance. Today, the site is protected as the Tanbaly Nature Reserve Museum.

A small visitor center is located approximately 4 kilometers from the site, where tourists can view a modest collection of artifacts unearthed from the sanctuary. While most of the archaeological findings have been transferred to major museums across Kazakhstan, the visitor center offers a glimpse into the site’s rich history. At the entrance to the gorge, a detailed map of the tourist route guides visitors, and informative signs point out the most interesting spots within the sanctuary.

More than a hundred monuments from different periods are concentrated within the relatively small area of the Tanbaly Gorge. While the petroglyphs are the most famous attraction, the site also includes burial mounds, sacrificial altars, ancient shrines, kurgans, and stone quarries. The archaeological complex provides insights into civilizations that inhabited the area over 3,000 years ago. The oldest petroglyphs date back to the Bronze Age, with some dating as far back as 4,000 years. Scientific studies have established that the petroglyphs were created over a period spanning from the Bronze Age to the 13th-14th centuries AD.

The most significant part of the complex is the canyon itself, where nearly 3,000 petroglyphs adorn the rock faces. The oldest drawings, created by sun-worshipping cultures, were meticulously carved into rock surfaces facing specific directions. From certain vantage points in the valley, all of the Bronze Age petroglyphs can be viewed at once, their intricate compositions forming a visual narrative that reveals the ancient mythology of the tribes who once lived here. Many of these figures are unique and can only be found in this part of Central Asia. A remarkable feature of the petroglyphs is their strict, intentional arrangement, as the ancient artists adhered to a precise system, positioning their works only in specific locations.

Restoration efforts have been made to preserve many of the petroglyphs. Some were painstakingly reassembled, while others have had traces of vandalism removed. Among the most iconic images are those of “sun-headed” figures, often depicted in scenes of hunting. The petroglyphs also include dance scenes, which emphasize the importance of art to these ancient peoples. In addition to depictions of local fauna, such as spotted bulls and deer, there are also drawings of mythical creatures, including unicorns. One particularly famous image is known as «The Philosopher» or «The Sage.» Some of the later petroglyphs also feature inscriptions in ancient Turkic runes, and in some areas, one can see Bronze Age rock carvings on one side of the rocks and inscriptions from the first Buddhist missions to Kazakhstan on the other.

Groups of Tanbaly Petroglyphs

A visit to the Tanbaly Gorge begins at the Karakuduk-II burial site, dating back to the 12th-10th centuries BC, located on the plain before the canyon. Here, archaeologists discovered graves of children and adults buried in cists—stone burial boxes made from thin slabs of rock. The main part of the tourist route leads through the central section of the reserve, where the majority of the petroglyphs are concentrated. These are divided into five groups:

  1. First Group
    Comprising 111 petroglyphs, most of which are unfinished drawings from the Bronze Age. These large sketches, primarily of animals, measure up to 60-70 centimeters in size.

  2. Second Group
    The largest and most representative group, also the oldest, contains 432 rock carvings. These deeply engraved images, including depictions of ancient masked figures, date to the Middle Bronze Age and are some of the most expressive and ancient in the region.

  3. Third Group
    Consisting of 444 petroglyphs, many of which were added or modified during later periods, including the Saka and medieval eras. These drawings, placed in a way that makes them viewable from across the canyon, create the impression of a natural art gallery.

  4. Fourth Group
    Containing around 700 petroglyphs, this group forms the compositional center of the ancient sanctuary. While most of the drawings here are less artistically significant, they date to the Early Iron Age and the Middle Ages, with the latest created in the 19th century. A remarkable Bronze Age panel in this group depicts seven deities arranged in a specific order. Below, worshippers are shown with raised arms in prayer, alongside warriors dancing in a battle ritual and a woman giving birth.

  5. Fifth Group
    The largest group, with over 1,000 rock carvings. Although some Bronze Age panels depict horses, boars, and bulls, most of the petroglyphs in this group belong to later periods. There are also several depictions of chariots, camels, and mythical “sun-headed” figures. Eleven deities can be counted here, though they resemble the figures from the fourth group.

Researchers believe that Tamgaly held sacred significance for the local population, and ancient priests once performed their rituals here. One particularly striking feature of the site is its exceptional acoustics—even a whisper can carry across several hundred meters, a phenomenon scholars believe was used in religious ceremonies.

Getting There

The Tanbaly Gorge is located near the village of Karabastau. From Almaty, it takes around four hours by car to cover the approximately 170-kilometer distance. You begin your journey by taking the Bishkek highway, passing through the city of Kaskelen, the Barys market, a police checkpoint, and the villages of Samsy and Targap. At the 88-kilometer mark, you’ll see a sign for “Tamgaly” on the right—turn here and follow the road to your destination. The last 15-20 kilometers are rough, so drive slowly and with caution.

At the entrance to the gorge, there is a fenced parking area, signage, wooden pavilions, and restrooms. Admission to the site is free, but visitors are not allowed to enter without a guide. A two-hour private tour costs approximately 2,000 Kazakhstani tenge (about $4-5). Only water is allowed inside the complex, but there are pavilions near the entrance where visitors can enjoy a meal.