Historical complex Tamga Tash

Many people think that traveling through this ancient country is largely associated exclusively with various religious buildings, but the Tamga Tash historical complex will be interesting for those who have never been interested in Buddhism. There is a monument here that is of particular interest to historians and ethnographers around the world. Numerous large stones, installed at a distance of one kilometer from each other, have an unusual stylized engraving.

The complex is surrounded by many legends

Among all the variety of stones located here, only three occupy a special place. Numerous expeditions were able to establish that the stones contain an engraving reflecting Tibetan rock writings. Numerous documentary sources indicate that these stones have long played an important role in various sacred ceremonies. There are even legends that these stones are able to restore vitality.

Among all the stones described in various legends, Tamga Tash, which can be found in the southern part of Issyk-Kul, enjoys special reverence among believers. In close proximity to it is the settlement of Tamga and one of the most unique nature reserves of the country. Despite the fact that this territory seems to many tourists to be one of the untouched corners of nature, only a few decades ago the military dominated here. Today, this point on the map is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists from different countries of the world. It is believed that every Buddhist should at least once touch the sacred stones.

Ethnographers and linguists who have studied this complex put forward their assumptions regarding these unusual inscriptions. The word “tash” itself, which is part of the name of the complex, can be translated as “stone”. The second word, “tamga”, has a close lexical connection with the word “imprint”. It is believed that the old-timers gave this complex its name after they discovered these inscriptions.

Unusual features of the complex

Many tourists note that this nature reserve is unique in many respects. Firstly, all three sacred stones are located at the same distance from each other – exactly one kilometer. Secondly, the shape of several stones is in many ways similar to a traditional yurt, which is the national dwelling of the Kyrgyz. Thirdly, there is a crack along one of the stones, which is a consequence of external influence. It is believed that the stone was cut by the all-powerful Er Tabyldy, who was the founder of one of the local settlements. Local residents sincerely believe that by looking into this crack for a long time, you can easily see a magical golden glow.

Numerous huge letters placed in the Tamga Tash complex together create a classic inscription known in Tibetan culture since time immemorial, “om mani padme hum”. Unfortunately, today there is no single view on the true meaning of this phrase. Many theologians, historians and linguists offer their own translations. However, most agree that this is about the lotus flower, which is sacred to Buddhists.

Representatives of another point of view emphasize that the inscription speaks of the sacred union of a man and a woman. Despite the difference in approaches, most scientists attribute these letters to the fifteenth century of our era – the Kalmyk historical period.

The inscriptions on the second stone are very similar to those on the first, but there are also some differences:

• The presence of a large ritual depression on the surface of the stone indicates that the stone was used in various sacred ceremonies even before the first representatives of Buddhism appeared in the region;
• The use of bas-relief patterns;
• The inscriptions on the second stone are 2 centuries older than their predecessor.

The letters on the third stone are completely different from those found on the other two stones. Upon closer inspection, you can see that these signs are a stylized inscription of “OM”. Historians and ethnographers unanimously declare that this is the famous sound pronounced in many cultures during meditation.

Chemical analysis of the inscription has established that it dates back to the same historical period as the inscription on the first stone. This stone chain, the study of which is still ongoing, is an important monument of cultural heritage not only for the entire country, but also for the region as a whole. Unfortunately, modern theologians and ethnographers have not yet been able to fully unravel the deep meaning of all the inscriptions placed on the stones.