Jul 18, 2007

World Heritage Site of Bamiyan Valley



Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley

Location:
Bamiyan Province, Bamiyan District, Afghanistan
N34 50 48.984 E67 49 30.9


Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley is an important site that depicts the artistic and religious wealth of past. The Bamiyan Valley is an outstanding example of a cultural landscape which illustrates a significant period in Buddhism. The landmark of this site was the two huge Buddha statues (measured 55 and 37 meters) carved into the sides of cliffs facing Bamiyan city. These were the largest examples os standing Buddha carvings in the World. But, sadly the Talibans destructed these two largest statues in March, 2001. It was a great loss for humankind. If we can't protect our cultural heritage, how can we protect our identity in this modern World?


Presently this World Heritage Site is in a fragile state of conservation. So the listing in danger. You can read more about it in the Official UNESCO Website.


Why UNESCO justifies it as a World Heritage Site?

Some points for justification of this World Heritage Site Inscription:
  • The Buddha statues and the cave art in Bamiyan Valley are an outstanding representation of the Gandharan school in Buddhist art in the Central Asian region.
  • The Bamiyan Valley bears an exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition in the Central Asian region, which has disappeared.
  • The Bamiyan Valley is an outstanding example of a cultural landscape which illustrates a significant period in Buddhism.

Read more on the UNESCO Website

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