Saymalıtaş kaya resimlerinin biçimsel ve ikonografik analizi ve sembolik anlamların çağdaş Türk sanatına yansımaları

In this study, petroglyphs and rock paintings, the first visual communication tools of the prehistoric period, were examined. The first section discusses the purpose of the study, while the second section addresses the definition of rock paintings and their place in Turkish culture. Rock paintings are an important form of communication that reflects humanity's struggle with nature, beliefs, and rituals through symbols. Particularly in Turkish culture, rock paintings convey artistic and ritual elements from the past to the present using a symbolic language. The third section introduces Saymalıtaş, one of the richest rock painting sites in the world, and provides a formal and iconographic analysis of the paintings found there. The fourth section presents examples of contemporary Turkish artists whose works feature elements similar to the symbols used in Saymalıtaş. Parallels in language and iconographic expression between these artists and the Saymalıtaş rock paintings are highlighted. In the final section, the researcher shares the process of drawing inspiration from Saymalıtaş rock paintings in their own artwork and includes works created based on these depictions.