Boralday petroglyphs

Just 70 kilometers from Shymkent, a rare and captivating site of Bronze Age rock art awaits discovery. Massive stones along the bend of the Boralday River display a striking variety of ancient nomadic depictions: hunting scenes, everyday life, and ancestral symbols.

These petroglyphs, first identified in the early 20th century, are grouped into two sections—one near the riverbank and another higher up the slope. The oldest carvings date back to the Bronze Age, and the Boralday petroglyphs are classified into four chronological layers:

1. Bronze Age (2nd millennium BCE): Noteworthy are the carvings from the late Bronze Age, offering glimpses into early human culture and beliefs.

2. Early Iron Age (1st millennium BCE): This period includes the Scythian-Saka animal style, marked by intricate ornamentation and decorative motifs.

3. Turkic Layer (6th–9th centuries CE): Here, we see symbolic goat figures and traditional tribal tamgas, though this period’s representation is sparse and less vivid.

4. Kazakh and Sufi Cycles (15th–19th centuries): These include “Sufi” themes, which relate to the era of the Kazakh khanates and reflect the influence of Islam. The Kazakh depictions are notable for their realism. Local historian Alexei Goncharov described these rock carvings vividly: “Mountain sheep, or argali, a primary target for ancient hunters. As we went on, we saw images of horses and hunting scenes where people wielded bows.”

The exact purpose of these carvings remains speculative. One theory suggests they played a role in magical rituals intended to bring good fortune in hunting. Another posits that shamans used the images to enter trance states and connect with ancestral spirits. Some believe the petroglyphs served as warnings to future generations, perhaps indicating danger from certain animals or tribes, or as talismans to ward off evil forces. Yet, much of the intent behind these carvings is left to our imagination.

Sadly, due to easy accessibility, many of these ancient images have been defaced, replaced with modern graffiti and names etched by contemporary visitors. The Boralday petroglyphs are a priceless piece of Kazakhstan’s heritage, deserving of our utmost care and preservation.

Reaching Boralday from Shymkent takes about an hour. From there, a short drive northeast—less than 10 kilometers—leads directly to the petroglyphs.

Geographical coordinates of the Boralday petroglyphs:
N42°51’12.90″ E69°49’54.77″