Buddhas of Bamiyan

Buddha statues in Bamyan

The Buddhas of Bamiyan (Persian: بت‌های باميانbut hay-e bamiyan) were two 6th century[1] monumental statues of standing Buddhas carved into the side of a cliff. They are in the Bamyan valley in the Hazarajat region of central Afghanistan.

Buddhas of Bamiyan
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Taller Buddha of Bamyan before 2001
LocationBamyan, Afghanistan
Part ofCultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamyan Valley
CriteriaCultural: i, ii, iii, iv, vi.
Reference208-001
Inscription2003 (27th Session)
Endangered2003-present
Area105 ha
Buffer zone225.25 ha
Coordinates34°49′55″N 67°49′36″E / 34.83194°N 67.82667°E / 34.83194; 67.82667
Buddhas of Bamiyan is located in Afghanistan
Buddhas of Bamiyan
Location of Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan

They were dynamited and destroyed in March 2001 by the Taliban.[2] Japan and Switzerland, among others, have said they would help rebuild the statues.[3]

Taller Buddha in 1963 and in 2008 after destruction
Smaller Buddha in 1977

References

change
  1. Gall, Carlotta (2006-12-05). "Afghans consider rebuilding Bamiyan Buddhas". International Herald Tribune. Retrieved 2008-01-06.
  2. Bamiyan Valley
  3. Waduge, Shenali (2008-03-14). "Afghans destroy Buddhas, but cry foul over cartoons". The Nation. Retrieved 2008-04-29.