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Afghan people at a Buddhist stupa situated on the hillside of the Shewaki area near Kabul.
| Photo Credit: AFP
In March 2001, the Taliban shocked the world by dynamiting the giant Buddhas of Bamiyan. Two decades later, they are back in power and claim to be making strides to preserve Afghanistan’s millennia-old heritage, including pre-Islamic relics.
Even months before their takeover in 2021 the Taliban called for the protection of ancient artefacts in the country, sparking scepticism among observers. They are “part of our country’s history, identity and rich culture”, the authorities declared.
Since their return to power and decades of war ended, archaeological finds — particularly related to Buddhism — have proliferated, with discoveries publicised by the authorities.
In eastern Laghman province, niches carved into rocks in Gowarjan village and carved Brahmi inscriptions have been found. “It is said that Afghan history goes back 5,000 years — these ancient sites prove it; people lived here,” said Mohammed Yaqoub Ayoubi, head of the provincial culture and tourism department.
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“I think the Taliban have understood how much the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas damaged their reputation,” said Valery Freland, director of the ALIPH foundation, the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage.
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Published – April 23, 2025 10:43 am IST
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Taliban change tune towards heritage sites in Afghanistan
