Arabic Inscriptions and tamgas from Etshkili-Too (Province of Talas) in Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

In the new rock art site of Etshkili-Too (Эчкили-Тоо) in the Talas Province of Kyrgyzstan, 105 engravings were inventoried, mainly zoomorphs (caprids) dating to the Old Turkic period, as well as to the 19th and early 20th centuries. Furthermore, nine Arabic inscriptions were documented at three different locations. Seven of them were concentrated near three former settlements at the top of the valley, which were probably occupied during the winter seasons. All inscriptions were deeply pecked into the rock surface, clearly visible, and almost not patinated. They are located at elevations between 1440 and 1600 meters above sea level. They contain ten personal names, exclusively male, including one referring to a hoja and mullah. There is no evidence to suggest that these inscriptions functioned as epitaphs. The texts were generally written in the Middle Turkic literary language as indicated by the use of the word “oglu” (“son of”). Furthermore, six dates are mentioned the inscriptions. Three follow the Gregorian calendar (1911 -1922), while one was recorded according to the Hijri (1299 AH viz. 1882 CE). For two additional dates it remains unclear whether they refer to the Hijri calendar (1307 and 1889 or 1313 and 1895?) or to the Gregorian calendar (1907 and 1913?). Furthermore, on one rock surface, two dates are associated with animals according to the traditional nomadic calendar. One of the inscriptions is the Basmalah, located near a settlement. This inscription is compared with another unpublished Basmalah inscription, recently found at the rock art site of Kara-Say, also in Talas Province. Another inscription represents a form of oath, although its precise significance remains unclear; it may have functioned as a marker of territorial ownership. This inscription, together with a second example, is analyzed in relation to three tamgas from the same period, raising questions about the transition from tamga symbols to Arabic inscriptions as markers of territorial claims during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Arabographic inscriptions within a rock art context should be systematically documented, analyzed, and published in order to provide new insights into the history of pastoral populations in Central Asia.