Five Petroglyph Sites in Tajikistan Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage List
The rocks of the Pamirs preserve images of animals, people and hunting scenes, along with geometric symbols and other motifs.
They date back to different periods, from the Mesolithic and Neolithic to the Bronze and Iron Ages and the Middle Ages.
In summer 2026, Tajikistan submitted five Pamir rock art sites to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. All five are located in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.
Langar, Darshair, Shakhta, Nayzatash and Bakhmaljilga are located in different parts of the Pamirs. Each site is linked to the region’s rock art, but the images differ in age, technique and subject matter. Together, they offer a glimpse into how life in the mountains changed over the centuries.
Animals and hunting scenes are among the most common images found on the rocks. They include mountain goats, argali, deer and predators.
There are also human figures. Some are shown hunting, alongside animals or as part of more complex compositions.
These images offer a glimpse of the animals that surrounded people at the time and the activities reflected in the region’s rock art.
The petroglyphs have been preserved in the open air, leaving them exposed to natural elements. The rock is gradually weathering and deteriorating through natural processes.
The petroglyphs remain in the landscapes where they were created. Together with the surrounding rocks, mountains and valleys, they form part of the Pamirs’ historical heritage.
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