Ulan district

Kyzyltas Petroglyphs (Figure 1). Located 300 meters northeast of the village of Kyzyltas, on the right bank of the Urrankhay River, around 50 petroglyph-bearing stones have been identified along vertical and horizontal surfaces, stretching for 1.5 kilometers. The majority of the images depict humans and animals. Among the numerous scenes, there are complex compositions that are challenging to interpret, showing several individuals with their arms lowered, each with visible round protrusions. Surrounding these figures are depictions of horses and goats. These scenes likely represent ritual activities of people in ceremonial costumes, the precise meaning of which remains unclear.

In the second group of drawings, there is a noticeable difference in the technique. While most of the petroglyphs are created using the solid pecking technique, this group is primarily executed in the contour technique. The contour technique depicts figures of two hornless bulls, a human figure, and a deer with antlers. These petroglyphs are dated to the early Iron Age.

At the Kyzyltas site, one surface has been identified that contains signs and symbols. This surface (WGS1984 coordinates: 49°42'40.65"N, 82°39'2.12"E) is horizontally oriented. It features a single symbol (Figure 2).

Shözhe Burial Site (Figure 1). The site is located on the second floodplain terrace of the Shözhe River, 2 km from the village of Besterek, near the Ust-Kamenogorsk–Targyn highway. The complex consists of 19 features. Approximately 80 meters to the west lie the ruins of the former Shözhe school, and about 130 meters to the south is a Muslim cemetery. The burial ground is well grassed, with some features situated along the edge of the terrace. In 2024, the East Kazakhstan Archaeological Expedition conducted a study of the site. Zigzag-shaped motifs were recorded on the walls of the northern cist within Enclosure No. 5. Zigzag lines were identified on two slabs of Cist No. 1 (WGS1984 coordinates: 49°39'40.46"N, 82°39'37.52"E) (Figure 2). The slabs are positioned vertically, and accordingly, the images have a vertical orientation. On the southwest (SW) slab, the lines were visible both in situ and in 3D models with and without texture (Figure 3). On the northwest (NW) slab, the lines were detected specifically in the 3D model representing surface relief without texture (Figure 4).

Karymsak Petroglyphs (Figure 1). The petroglyphs are located 3.5 kilometers west of the village of Besterek. The images were created using a solid pecking technique and are engraved on vertical rock outcrops extending for about 1 kilometer. The subjects are diverse, with mountain goats being the most frequently depicted, alongside representations of horses, predators, and camels. Among the narrative scenes, a depiction of a wild animal hunt stands out.

Two rock surfaces bearing symbols and signs have been identified at the Karymsak site.

Surface 1 (WGS1984 coordinates: 49°40'30.88"N, 82°37'15.00"E) is vertically oriented and contains two elements: a sign and a human figure (Figure 2).

Surface 2 (WGS1984 coordinates: 49°40'34.01"N, 82°37'1.19"E) also has a vertical orientation and features numerous elements, including three signs (Figure 3).