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Afghanistan / Bamian
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Afghanistan / Bamian
Two colossal Buddhist sculptures cut from the hillside. Known to have been there in 630, they were destroyed by order of the Taliban rulers in 2001
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Media ID 594207
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1830 2001 Afghanistan Buddhist Colossal Destroyed Hill Side Order Rulers Sculptures Bamian
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the once colossal Buddhist sculptures of Bamian, Afghanistan, carved into the hillside around the 6th century AD. These two monumental statues, believed to be among the largest standing Buddha figures in the world, have captivated travelers and historians for centuries. The exact date of their creation is not definitively known, but they are estimated to have been carved around 630, making them over 1,400 years old. Sadly, the Taliban rulers of Afghanistan ordered their destruction in March 2001, bringing an end to their storied history. The destruction of the Buddhist sculptures was a significant loss to the world's cultural heritage, and the event sparked international condemnation. The Taliban's justification for the destruction was that the statues were idolatrous and against Islamic law. The image shows the remnants of the larger Buddha statue, which stood approximately 55 meters tall, with its head and right arm still partially intact. The smaller statue, which stood around 38 meters tall, is completely destroyed. The hillside where the sculptures once stood is now a haunting reminder of the rich history that was lost. This photograph, taken circa 1830, provides a glimpse into the past, offering a window into a time when these colossal Buddhist sculptures were still standing, inspiring awe and wonder in all who beheld them. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the consequences of its destruction.
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