Discover how UNESCO is preserving historical sites in Bamyan, Afghanistan, through an Italian-funded initiative.
When the Taliban took control of the nation in 2021, they temporarily paused the project, but now it has resumed. UNESCO is working towards safeguarding the cultural and archaeological landmarks of Bamiyan, which have been on the World Heritage in Danger list since 2003. These landmarks include religious artefacts and wall paintings dating back to the 3rd to 5th century C.E.
According to UNESCO, the Bamiyan Valley is the most impressive example of Western Buddhism, and it has been a crucial pilgrimage site for many years. Although the monuments in this area hold significant symbolic values, intentional destruction and suffering have been their existence. In 2001, the deliberate destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas shook the world.
Apart from the Bamiyan Valley, UNESCO has been striving to preserve other significant locations in Afghanistan, such as the Minaret of Jam and Kabul, Kandahar, Zabul, and Ghazni.
Sadly, the Taliban demolished the Bamyan sculptures, known as the Buddhas of Bamyan, in March 2021, despite worldwide protests.