Communication and Memory in Turkish Culture: An Archaeological and Ethnographic Study of Rock Paintings and Symbols

This article investigates the origins and evolution of communication and memory phenomena in Turkish culture through an archaeological and ethnographic examination of rock art and symbols. Unlike traditional approaches, this study treats rock art not merely as an aesthetic form of expression but also as a complex symbolic system through which cultural knowledge and collective memory are transmitted from generation to generation. In this context, it is argued that rock paintings and petroglyphs found in Turkey and Central Asia encode a wide range of information, from social hierarchies to hunting practices, and from mythological narratives to ritual ceremonies. The main thesis of the article is that these visual languages played a critical role in constructing the identities, historical perceptions, and worldviews of communities in periods prior to written language. The research methodology offers a holistic perspective by combining archaeological data on rock art (chronology, geographical distribution, and technical analyses) with modern ethnographic studies (the symbolic systems and oral narratives of surviving traditional communities). This integrated approach demonstrates that rock art is more than a static relic; it is part of a living and dynamic cultural memory archive. Ultimately, this study aims to reveal the depth and complexity of the oral and visual communication networks at the roots of Turkish culture within a scientific framework. Keywords: Turkish Culture, Cultural Memory, Symbolism, Rock Art, Archaeological Ethnology.