Bamyan Province
Bamyan Province (Persian: بامیان) is one of the thirty-four provinces of Afghanistan. It is in the centre of the country. Its capital city is also called Bamyan. Most of the people are Hazaras, with fewer Tajiks,[2] and Pashtuns.[3] Bamyan is the largest province in the Hazarajat region of Afghanistan. About 450.000 people lived in Bamyan province in 2020. The province mainly became known for the Buddhas of Bamiyan, which were destroyed under Taliban rule, in 2001. In the past, the province was strategically important because of the Silk Road which passes through it. The Silk Road linked Asian countries such as India and China, with Persia, the Mediterranean and Europe. Buddhism used to be common, and there were many Buddha statues, and monasteries.
بامیان | |
---|---|
Coordinates: 34°45′N 67°15′E / 34.75°N 67.25°ECoordinates: 34°45′N 67°15′E / 34.75°N 67.25°E | |
Country | Afghanistan |
Capital city | Bamyan |
Area | |
• Total | 14,175 km2 (5,473 sq mi) |
Population (2006)[1] | |
• Total | 387,300 |
• Density | 27.323/km2 (70.766/sq mi) |
Time zone | UTC+4:30 |
Main languages | Dari Persian (Hazaragi dialect) |
Politics
Governors
The former governor of the province is Habiba Sarabi. She is Afghanistan's first and, so far, only female governor.[4]
Districts
District | Capital | Population | Area[5] | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bamyan | Bamyan | 73,200 | ||
Kahmard | Kahmard | 32,200 | Transferred from Baghlan in 2005 | |
Panjab | Panjab | 60,400 | ||
Sayghan | Sayghan | 21,200 | Transferred from Baghlan and created within Kahmard District in 2005 | |
Shibar | Shibar | 26,100 | ||
Waras | Waras | 96,700 | ||
Yakawlang | Nayak | 77,500 |
Economy
Agriculture
Bamiyan is famous for its potatoes.
Education
Bamyan Province has the only university, Bamiyan University in the area.
Bamyan Province Media
The smaller Buddha of Bamiyan. Buddhism was widespread in the region before the Islamic conquest of Afghanistan.
References
- ↑ "World Gazetteer". Archived from the original on 2012-12-09. Retrieved 2012-04-16.
- ↑ Cultural and conflict Studies, Bamyan Province
- ↑ Bamyan provincial profile
- ↑ British Broadcasting Corporation : Putting Bamyan Back on the Map Retrieved 2009-08-18
- ↑ Afghanistan Geographic & Thematic Layers