A significant step towards preserving Armenia’s ancient heritage is on the horizon. A group of German scientists, after extensive studies of Armenian petroglyphs, have proposed recognizing these ancient carvings as world cultural heritage and registering them with UNESCO. This initiative has garnered support from Armenian scholar Hamlet Martirosyan, who emphasized the importance of making certain adjustments to the existing research before approaching UNESCO.
Martirosyan highlighted that new data indicates the petroglyphs in the Syunik region were created 14,000 to 15,000 years ago, placing them in the Stone Age. This contrasts with earlier studies from the 1970s, which dated these petroglyphs to the Bronze Age. The updated timeline significantly enhances the historical value of these artifacts.
Moreover, Martirosyan pointed out a paradigm shift in the interpretation of these petroglyphs. Previously regarded merely as drawings, there is now compelling evidence to consider them as inscriptions, potentially containing written information. This revelation could provide answers to numerous historical questions, particularly those concerning the origins of humanity and the specific locations of early human settlements.
Martirosyan also noted that much of the research on Armenian petroglyphs has been published only in Armenian, which limited global awareness until around 2010. He stressed that the future of these petroglyphs depends on the actions taken by Armenia’s cultural institutions and organizations. With the right steps, the world may one day fully decipher the secrets held within these ancient carvings.
The recognition of Armenian petroglyphs as world cultural heritage would not only honor Armenia’s rich history but also ensure the preservation and continued study of these invaluable artifacts. This collaborative effort between Armenian and international scholars underscores the global significance of Armenia’s ancient heritage.
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