A private enterprise was crushing ancient boulders containing millennia-old petroglyphs into gravel. The permission to destroy these historical petroglyphs was granted by a private LLP (Limited Liability Partnership).

This revelation comes from the well-known public figure Muhtar Taizhan. Alongside activist historians, he visited the site near Taldykorgan and, at least temporarily, managed to halt the destruction of stones with petroglyphs.

Here is what Taizhan writes:

«How does the private LLP ‘Kazarchaeology’ provide ‘Temirbeton’ LLP with the conclusion that petroglyphs from the Bronze Age (5-7 thousand years old) have no historical value? Who gave this private LLP the authority? Why does a private LLP, on a contractual basis, meaning for the client’s money, decide what is important for our descendants and what is not? Shouldn’t the Institute of History and Archaeology or the Academy of Sciences be the ones deciding such matters?

I appeal to the akim of the Zhetysu region, Beibit Isabayev, to urgently halt all activities of ‘Temirbeton’ LLP in the area of Qyzyltasa until state scientific institutions determine the scientific value of the discovered ancient petroglyphs!

I also appeal to the Minister of Culture, Aida Balaeva, to urgently intervene in the situation, and deploy archaeological and historical experts to assess the historical value of the petroglyphs.

It is also essential to listen to local environmental activists and enthusiastic scientists. We may lose this historical heritage. Countries around the world take pride in and cherish all the petroglyphs found within their borders, while we are currently destroying what has stood under the open sky for thousands and thousands of years!»