Abstract
The petroglyphs of Central Asia represent a distinctive form of symbolic and visual heritage that is gaining relevance in scholarly debates on cultural tourism, regional identity, and sustainable development. Although their archaeological importance has long been recognized, their integration into contemporary tourism planning remains conceptually fragmented and underexplored. This study provides a systematic and meta-analytic synthesis of scientific literature concerning petroglyphs in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Through bibliometric analysis, it identifies dominant research themes, leading institutions, and international collaboration networks. The results confirm increasing interest in the educational, symbolic, and experiential tourism dimensions of petroglyphs. However, the review also highlights thematic and geographical imbalances, particularly the underrepresentation of certain regions and a scarcity of robust empirical studies. The meta-analytic component shows a moderate positive effect of petroglyph-based heritage on cultural tourism development. Kazakhstan emerges as the leading academic node in this domain. The study does not attempt to establish causality but seeks to clarify how petroglyphs have been conceptualized in scientific discourse over the past two decades. Bibliometric mapping shows strong correlations between publication volume and heritage-centered national strategies. Research also indicates that digital tools, such as 3D modeling and GIS, are increasingly employed to preserve and interpret petroglyph sites. Despite these innovations, community-based approaches remain limited, signaling the need for greater local engagement. By linking rock art research with tourism studies, digital humanities, and heritage policy, this article outlines potential directions for more inclusive, interdisciplinary, and empirically grounded future research. Ultimately, the findings support the notion that petroglyphs are not only remnants of the past, but dynamic resources for interpreting identity, enhancing tourism sustainability, and fostering cultural continuity within the evolving framework of regional development in Central Asia. These insights may guide policymakers, researchers, and cultural institutions in shaping integrative strategies. Further efforts should aim to connect heritage preservation with inclusive tourism, education, and long-term regional resilience. Strengthening regional cooperation and cross-border heritage initiatives may also amplify the role of petroglyphs in sustainable cultural development.