Buddhas of Bamiyan
The Buddhas of Bamiyan (Persian: بتهای باميان – but 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.
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
 Taller Buddha of Bamyan before 2001 | |
| Location | Bamyan, Afghanistan |
| Part of | Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamyan Valley |
| Criteria | Cultural: i, ii, iii, iv, vi. |
| Reference | 208-001 |
| Inscription | 2003 (27th Session) |
| Endangered | 2003-present |
| Area | 105 ha |
| Buffer zone | 225.25 ha |
| Coordinates | 34°49′55″N 67°49′36″E / 34.83194°N 67.82667°E |
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]
Buddhas Of Bamiyan Media
Panorama of the northern cliff of the Valley of Bamyan, with the Western and Eastern Buddhas at each end (before destruction), surrounded by a multitude of Buddhist caves.
Mapping of the 38 meter smaller Eastern Buddha, dated to 591–644 CE, and its surrounding caves and chapels.
Smaller Buddha before and after destruction
Site of the larger statue after it was destroyed
Site of the smaller statue in 2005
THERE ARE NUMEROUS GROTTOS POSITIONED BY THE BUDDHAS WHICH WERE DESTROYED BY THE TALIBAN. THESE GROTTOS WERE ALL COVERED BY PAINTINGS SEEN IN THIS PICTURE
Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley
Arkady Fiedler Museum, Bamyan Replica
.JPG)
References
- ↑ Gall, Carlotta (2006-12-05). Afghans consider rebuilding Bamiyan Buddhas. International Herald Tribune. http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/12/05/news/buddhas.php?page=1. Retrieved 2008-01-06.
- ↑ Bamiyan Valley
- ↑ Waduge, Shenali (2008-03-14). Afghans destroy Buddhas, but cry foul over cartoons. The Nation. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/03/14/opinion/opinion_30068112.php. Retrieved 2008-04-29.
