Research Article

The Application of the Lichenometry Method to Estimate Petroglyph Ages in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan

Number: 115 October 27, 2025
TR EN

The Application of the Lichenometry Method to Estimate Petroglyph Ages in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

Dating methods for rock art have traditionally been divided into two categories: traditional and scientific, both with challenges regarding accuracy. The universal appeal of rock art drives scholars to decode its imagery and underlying narratives, requiring an understanding of its origins, context, and influences. This research aims to evaluate the precision of lichenometry as a technique for dating rock art. Fieldwork conducted in 2023-2024 across several sites in the Örnök region of Kyrgyzstan spanning villages between Balykchy and Cholpon-Ata marks the first use of this method for rock art in the country. The study seeks to provide new insights and potentially challenge established dating methodologies. By applying lichenometry in this context, the research intends to refine current tools used in archaeological and historical studies, improving our understanding of the age of rock art. The results of the fieldwork are presented in the findings and conclusion sections.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University

Ethical Statement

The authors’ contribution rates are as follows: 1. Author – 30% (Data analysis and fieldwork) 2. Author – 30% (Literature review and field research) 3. Author – 30% (Analogical study and fieldwork) 4. Author – 10% (Fieldwork)

Thanks

This study was supported by Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University. We would like to thank Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University for their support of this research.

References

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  2. Alaska, USA, and its application to lichenometric dating.” Arctic and Alpine Research, vol. 18, no. 3, 1986, pp. 289-296.
  3. Amanbaeva, Bakyt, et al. “Rock Art in Kyrgyzstan.” Rock Art in Central Asia A Thematic Study, edited by Jean Clottes, ICOMOS, 2011, pp. 43-73.
  4. Andersen, J. L., and J. L. Sollid. “Glacial chronology nd glacial geomorphology in the margin zones of the glaciers Mitdalsbreen and Nigardsbreen, South Norway.” Norsk Geografisk Tıdsskrift, vol. 25, no. 1, 1971, pp. 1-38.
  5. Armstrong, Richard A. “Studies on the growth rate of lichens. In: Brown DH, Bailey RH, Hawksworth DL (eds) Progress and problems in lichenology.” Academic Press, London, 1976, pp. 309-322.
  6. Armstrong Richard A., and Tom, Bradwell. “Growth of crustose lichens: A review.” Geografiska Annaler Series A Physical Geography, vol. 92, no. 1, 2010, pp. 1-17.
  7. Aslan, Ali. “Lichens from the regions of Artvin, Erzurum, and Kars (Turkey).” Israel Journal of Plant Sciences, vol. 48, no.2 , 2000, pp. 143-155.
  8. Bednarik, Robert G. “Finger lines, their medium, and their dating.” unpubl. MS, Archive of the Australian Rock Art Research Association, 1981, pp. 34.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Archeology of Turks

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

October 27, 2025

Publication Date

October 27, 2025

Submission Date

October 1, 2024

Acceptance Date

July 24, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Number: 115

APA
Ceylan, N., Özgül, O., Aşık, A., & Alimov, U. (2025). The Application of the Lichenometry Method to Estimate Petroglyph Ages in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. Bilig, 115, 193-223. https://doi.org/10.12995/bilig.8385
AMA
1.Ceylan N, Özgül O, Aşık A, Alimov U. The Application of the Lichenometry Method to Estimate Petroglyph Ages in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. Bilig. 2025;(115):193-223. doi:10.12995/bilig.8385
Chicago
Ceylan, Nezahat, Oktay Özgül, Alpaslan Aşık, and Ulanbek Alimov. 2025. “The Application of the Lichenometry Method to Estimate Petroglyph Ages in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan”. Bilig, nos. 115: 193-223. https://doi.org/10.12995/bilig.8385.
EndNote
Ceylan N, Özgül O, Aşık A, Alimov U (October 1, 2025) The Application of the Lichenometry Method to Estimate Petroglyph Ages in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. Bilig 115 193–223.
IEEE
[1]N. Ceylan, O. Özgül, A. Aşık, and U. Alimov, “The Application of the Lichenometry Method to Estimate Petroglyph Ages in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan”, Bilig, no. 115, pp. 193–223, Oct. 2025, doi: 10.12995/bilig.8385.
ISNAD
Ceylan, Nezahat - Özgül, Oktay - Aşık, Alpaslan - Alimov, Ulanbek. “The Application of the Lichenometry Method to Estimate Petroglyph Ages in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan”. Bilig. 115 (October 1, 2025): 193-223. https://doi.org/10.12995/bilig.8385.
JAMA
1.Ceylan N, Özgül O, Aşık A, Alimov U. The Application of the Lichenometry Method to Estimate Petroglyph Ages in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. Bilig. 2025;:193–223.
MLA
Ceylan, Nezahat, et al. “The Application of the Lichenometry Method to Estimate Petroglyph Ages in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan”. Bilig, no. 115, Oct. 2025, pp. 193-2, doi:10.12995/bilig.8385.
Vancouver
1.Nezahat Ceylan, Oktay Özgül, Alpaslan Aşık, Ulanbek Alimov. The Application of the Lichenometry Method to Estimate Petroglyph Ages in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. Bilig. 2025 Oct. 1;(115):193-22. doi:10.12995/bilig.8385

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