Buddhas of Bamiyan facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley *
Afghanistan Statua di Budda 1.jpg
The taller of the two Buddhas of Bamiyan in 1976
Country Afghanistan
Type Cultural
Criteria i, ii, iii, iv, vi.
Reference 208
Region ** Asia-Pacific
Inscription history
Inscription 2003 (Twenty seventh Session)
Endangered 2003–present

The Buddhas of Bamiyan (Persian: بت های باميان – but hay-e bamiyan) were two 6th century monumental statues of standing Buddhas carved into the side of a cliff. They are in the Bamyan valley in the Hazarajat region of central Afghanistan.

They were dynamited and destroyed in March 2001 by the Taliban. Japan and Switzerland, among others, have said they would help rebuild the statues.

Taller Buddha of Bamiyan before and after destruction
Taller Buddha in 1963 and in 2008 after destruction
BamyanBuddha Smaller 1
Smaller Buddha in 1977

Images for kids

  • Buddhas of Bamiyan in 19 century

    Drawing of the Buddhas of Bamiyan by Alexander Burnes 1832

  • BigBuddha

    Site of the larger statue after it was destroyed

  • Bouddhas de Bâmiyân - Aout 2005

    Site of the smaller statue in 2005

  • BAMIYAN BUDDHAS - GROTTO PAINTINGS

    Grotto painting in 2008


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