Splendours of Bamiyan
Thank goodness some of Afghanistan’s natural beauty has been spared
It is easy to overlook Afghanistan’s potential as a tourist attraction, after civil war and international pressure had torn the country apart. But, blessed with geographical genes that gave its characteristic harsh mountain ranges and golden sand cliffs, the country can still boast of unique wonders.
In Bamiyan, a small town at the crossroads between the country’s east and west, lies the remains of a wonder of the ancient world – the giant twin Buddha statues. Carved into the mountainsides that overlook the plains on which Bamiyan stands, the statues once stood 53 metres (around ten storeys high) and 38 metres, respectively.
Now, gaping holes on the cliff faces bear evidence of the Taliban’s horrifying deed in March 2001, when it dynamited the statues in total disregard for the religion that dominated Afghanistan 14 centuries ago. Extensive archeological activities now teem around the site as international groups collaborate to restore and preserve the ancient wonder. The site, with its still intact sandstone caves that monks used to pray in, remains magnificent and well worth a visit.
