Petroglyphic Complexes of the Mongolian Altai

The petroglyphic complex of the Mongolian Altai ridge, consisting of the Aral Tolgoi, Shiveet Khairkhan, Tsagaan Salaa of Ulankhus sum, and the petroglyphs of Baga Oigor in the area of Tsenkel sum, Bayankhongor aimag, is a UNESCO‑registered World Heritage site. The petroglyphic complex of the Mongolian Altai ridge is a gallery of rock art of such magnitude that it is considered one of the largest not only in Mongolia but also in the world, distinguished by its presentation of many epochs of human development in one place. It is an important source for the ancient history of our people and an archaeological monument reflecting many aspects of the economic, social and spiritual development of the people of that era.

On 28 June 2011, at the regular session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, the decision was made to inscribe the “Petroglyphic Complex of the Mongolian Altai Ridge”, nominated by Mongolia, on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

During the preparatory stage of the session, the Advisory Body of the World Heritage Committee, the International Council on Monuments and Sites, issued a recommendation to postpone the nomination of the site from Mongolia on the grounds that it did not meet two of the three criteria for inscription as a World Heritage site. Mongolia indicated that it did not accept the above recommendation and requested a re‑examination.

Representing Mongolia, D. Dalai­jargal, Secretary‑General of the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO, and B. Khulan, Attaché of the Permanent Representative of Mongolia to UNESCO, participated. With the support of Brazil and Australia, members of the World Heritage Committee, and as a result of the active participation of our representatives, the site was reconsidered and a decision was made to inscribe it on the World Heritage List.