Events
Local and International Cooperation
Since the Sarmishsai natural and cultural heritage are virtually at the inhabitant’s own doorsteps Navoi Mining Metallurgical Combinate (NGMC) has the right and the privilege to be active partakers. In 2004 the NGMC offered support on investigation of Sarmishsai Archaeological Complex by given a special filed office, where archaeologist and Sarmishsai Rock Art Team are doing research. In return the staff and scientists of Sarmishsai Rock Art Team conducting many educational activities and lectures for children during their summer rest season. Cognitive field excursions to the main acceptable for visitation Petroglyphs Groups and involvement of talented schoolchildren in the sustainability development of the site in order to inspire respect for the cultural and natural heritage of the region. This summer under assistance of Mrs Ludmila Sh. Butillova, chief of children art society at the Children Camp “Gornyi” we have organized competition on drawing and ceramic modeling of main Sarmishsai Rock Art images Fig. 2. Winners of such children competition were greatly appreciated by the administration of the Mining Metallurgical Combinate. (Photo Statuesque figures and embossing images done on basis on Sarmishsai petroglyphs).
We also much appreciated the support of the Hokimiyat of Navoi oblast and Navoi Mining Metallurgical Combinate, which provided necessary efforts for administrative management and good preparation of the site for public access and education. Under the initiative of the Bahriddin Ruziev, Khokim of Navoi oblasti in 2004 the Sarmishsay Gorge has received the status of historical and landscape -archaeological-Reserve–Museum (Shakirova, 2005).
Since last year, co-operation structures, projects and topics of research have been further developed on many levels. Most important and gratifying is the strengthened support and involvement by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Dr Azamat Khaidarov, Vice Minister), the national UNESCO commission in Tashkent (Dr Alisher Ikramov) and the UNESCO regional office in Almaty (Dr. Yurii Peshkov) from one side and Interntional Institute for Central Asian Studies in Samarkand and Tamgaly Rock Art Project (Dr Alexey Rogojinskii) from other.
The Norwegian support of the Sarmishsai Rock Art Project, however, becomes a key point in a long-lasting connection to Scandinavia in sharing of experience and methodology. The Norwegian team consisted of project adviser dr. Anne-Sophie Hygen, Riksantikvaren – Directorate for Cultural Heritage, Oslo, professor Knut Helskog, University of Tromsø and conservationist, Kjartan Gran. Based on on-site drawings and notes Knut Helslog and Anne-Sophie Hygen were developed the walkway system and infrastructure connected to visitation of Sarmishsay Rock Art Site. The special report on recommended solutions is given in the Reportprepared by Anne-Sophie Hygen “ The Sarmishsai Petroglyph Site ,Nowbahor district , the Republic of Uzbekistan” (Second mission to Navoi and Sarmishsai October 2004). (Photo 1- Knut Helskog indicates the possible future of the bridge to the northern of Group 7; Photo 2- Prof. Knut Helslog and Dr Anne-Sophie Hygen (Norway) working under documentation of petroglyphs in Sarmishsay.)
International Institute for Central Asian Studies at UNESCO in Samarkand greatly contribute Kadicha Tashbaeva (Director, IICAS, left side) and Anne-Sophie Hygen in Sarmishsay, October 2003. (Photo 1 -Long-term collaboration with Coordinator of the Tamgaly Rock Art Complex, Kazakhstan; Photo 2- Dr . Alexey Rogojinskiy shares his experience with documentation of petroglyphs, Sarmishsay July 2005).
International Co-op with Japanese scientists.
A new trial has begun to clean rocks in Sarmishsai which are stained with grafity of paint. In August 2005 a steam cleaner (Electrolax, Z370A) driven by a portable electric generator (Yamaha, EF900iS) was brought to the petroglyph site by Prof. Ryuji Takaki (physicist, Japan). Prof. Muhiddin Khujanazarov (archaeologist, Uzbekistan) and his collaborators. A high temperature steam jet proved to be effective forremoving grafities, so that the time of cleaning was reduced by one-forth to one-tenth compared to the conventional method by the use of organic solvent and hands. On the other hand, the new method was not effective for lichen covering rock surface, for which another method should be developed.This project is partly supported by a research foundation from Japanese Government (chief of the research foundation is Prof. T. Tsukatani of Kyoto University). (Photo - Prof. Takaki)
Experiment: An experiment to test the effect of the steam cleaner. (Photo 1 - Before the use of cleaner). Experiment (after 65 min): (Photo 2 - after use the cleaner for 95 minutes).