The Arqalan Natural Petroglyph Park has been opened with Eurasian Bank’s support
18 November 2024, Almaty
On 15 November 2024, the Arqalan Natural Petroglyph Park was opened in the Main Botanical Garden of Almaty. This landmark event was the result of the work of the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction and the Petroglyph Hunters PF, with the support of Eurasian Bank, the DNA Payments Payment Company, the FUNK Creative Agency and the DDA Communication Agency. The Park recreates a unique ecosystem that combines steppe flora and the author’s interpretation of Turkic petroglyphs created by a famous artist Sanzhar Zhubanov and a sculptor Said Aynekov.
The purpose of Arqalan is to preserve and present unique rock carvings that reflect the centuries—old history and culture of the Kazakh people.
CEO of Eurasian Bank Lyazzat Satiyeva noted, “Eurasian Bank has always been sensitive to the popularization of cultural heritage and nature conservation in Kazakhstan. This is our shared responsibility. We have not only provided financial support for the creation of the Park. All last year, the Bank employees participated in expeditions, exploring and finding new petroglyphs of Kazakhstan together with volunteers of the Petroglyph Hunters Foundation. So, this initiative turned out to be an exciting and useful experience for all of us.”
The Park concept was prepared with the participation of Zira Nauryzbay. There are about 300, 000 petroglyphs in Kazakhstan, and the Arqalan Project creates an important platform for their preservation and popularization.
Olga Gumirova, Executive Director of the Petroglyph Hunters Foundation, in turn, said that, “The idea of creating such a park has been around for a long time. We wanted to make the real, living history of the country available. I am sure that Arqalan is the first step for visitors to explore the ancient culture and history of Kazakhstan. The attention attracted, in turn, contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage.”
After the opening, the Arqalan Natural Petroglyph Park was transferred to the balance of the Main Botanical Garden of Almaty.
Gulnara Sitpayeva, Director General of the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction, said, “One of the most important tasks of the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction is research, environmental protection, educational and cultural awareness-raising activities. Historically, the development of human communities was determined by environmental conditions and, in turn, human economic and cultural activities changed landscapes, characteristics of flora and fauna. In close unity with nature, a unique steppe culture was formed on the territory of Kazakhstan in ancient times, which gave rise to the civilization of nomads. The Arqalan Natural Petroglyph Park clearly demonstrates this relationship.”
The Park is located in the southeastern part of the Garden, on the territory of the Kazakhstan Exposition, and will become an important object for tourists, researchers and all those interested in the history and culture of Kazakhstan.