Nestled in the Anrakay mountains, the Tanbaly petroglyphs are located just 170 km northwest of Almaty. This remarkable site, often referred to as an open-air art gallery, showcases the artistic legacy of ancient masters across several eras. The petroglyphs include approximately 4,000 to 5,000 paintings from the Bronze Age, Turkic periods, and the early nomadic era. Despite its significance, many aspects of Tamgaly's history remain shrouded in mystery, with numerous monuments yet to be thoroughly studied.

The monument's fame has grown significantly since Kazakhstan's independence, attracting an increasing number of visitors each year, including international tourists. In 2004, it was recognized by UNESCO and included in the World Heritage List as part of the "Petroglyphs of the Archaeological Landscape of Tanbaly," highlighting its cultural and historical importance.

Today, the term "Tanbaly" resonates with many in Kazakhstan, similar to the iconic "Golden Warrior" of Issyk or Otrar. Its image has even inspired the logo for the International contest-festival "Voice of Asia."

The story of Tanbaly is vividly captured in the writings of A.E. Rogozhinsky, who recounts the discovery of its petroglyphs by a team of archaeologists. As Anna Georgiyevna Maximova noted, "the most important and interesting discoveries happen at the end of the field season." During their exploration, the team photographed about two hundred of the most significant rock art compositions, solidifying Tanbaly's status as one of Central Asia's most remarkable monuments of rock art.

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