The Buddhas of Bamiyan once towered over Afghanistan’s Bamiyan Valley, 6th-century Gandharan marvels carved into sheer cliffs, radiating peace and devotion. In 2001, they were destroyed, leaving behind vast, silent niches, haunting echoes of a sacred past. Yet, their absence still speaks. The Bamiyan Valley remains a symbol of resilience, cultural identity, and the enduring spirit of the Hazara people. Through efforts like UNESCO’s Bamiyan Cultural Center, the valley is being reimagined, blendin

Taliban members are seen patrolling the ancient Bamiyan Buddhas ruins 20 years after the group destroyed its giant Buddha statues amidst widespread criticism bit.ly/3a2Of6w | The National

In 2001, the Taliban “completely” demolished two historic Buddha statues that were carved into an Afghan cliffside; however, the destruction revealed hidden caves where they discovered ancient Buddhist artifacts, including the world’s oldest known oil paintings; which were also later destroyed. | Unsolved Mysteries & Paranormal Activities

On March 12, 2001, Afghanistan’s Taliban government finished demolishing the Buddhas of Bamiyan—two monumental statues from the 6th century that had overlooked the valley for more than fourteen centuries and testified to its Buddhist past. The destruction Ignoring urgent pleas from UNESCO and countries including Japan and India, Taliban fighters spent several weeks bombarding the figures with artillery and explosives until nothing remained but shattered stone. One statue had risen roughly 38 met