The Bamiyan Buddhas

Many of you may remember the uproar in 2001 when the Taliban in Afghanistan declared as unislamic, the two monumental statues of Buddha - 50 meters, and 36 meters tall. Unfortunately, the uproar had no effect, and the two Buddhas were destroyed.



See higher resolution version of the 1976 image.


Higher resolution version of the 2005 image.

Curious, that no one had any problem with these statues from the time Islam began - 8th century. It is only at the beginning of 21st century, that these statues were branded as unislamic. At around this time, thousands of pieces of Buddhist collection in museums in Afghanistan were also destroyed.

Fortuantely, many pieces were saved through courageous action by a few individuals, who risked their lives to save these pieces. The word is richer because of them.

By the way, this is not the first time these statues were attacked. In the 19th century, soldiers belonging to the occupying power - Britain - used these statues for target practice. Interesting.