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Buddhas of Bamiyan
UNESCO World Heritage Site
55-metre (180 ft) "Western Buddha" 38-metre (125 ft) "Eastern Buddha" Carbon dating indicates the Western Buddha was built c. 591–644 CE and the Eastern Buddha c. 544–595.
Location	Bamiyan, Afghanistan
Part of	Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamyan Valley
Criteria	Cultural: i, ii, iii, iv, vi.
Inscription	2003 (27th Session)
Endangered	2003–present
Area	105 ha
Buffer zone	225.25 ha

The Buddhas of Bamiyan were two enormous statues of Buddha carved into the side of a cliff in the Bamyan Valley of Afghanistan. These amazing sculptures were created a very long time ago, possibly around the 6th century CE. They were located high up in the mountains, about 130 kilometers (80 miles) northwest of Kabul. Scientists have used special dating methods to figure out that the smaller "Eastern Buddha" (38 meters or 125 feet tall) was built around 570 CE, and the larger "Western Buddha" (55 meters or 180 feet tall) was built around 618 CE.

These Buddhas were a mix of different art styles, showing influences from ancient Greek and Indian art. The larger one was sometimes called "Salsal" and the smaller one "Shah Mama" by local people. They were carved directly from the sandstone cliff. Then, they were covered with a layer of mud and straw, which was painted with bright colors. The larger Buddha was painted red, and the smaller one had many colors.

For many centuries, Bamiyan was an important place for Buddhists. This was especially true because it was on the famous Silk Road, a trade route connecting China with the Western world. Monks lived in caves around the Buddhas, decorating them with beautiful paintings.

Sadly, in March 2001, a group called the Taliban, who were in control of the region at the time, ordered the destruction of both statues. They believed that statues should not be worshipped or respected. This act was condemned by people and countries all over the world. In 2003, the site, including the remains of the Buddhas, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its great cultural importance.

History of the Bamiyan Buddhas
- Ancient Visitors and Art
Colorful Cave Paintings
- Paintings of the Eastern Buddha
- Paintings of the Western Buddha and Other Caves
The Destruction of the Buddhas
- The Taliban's Decision to Destroy
- How the Destruction Happened
What Remains and Efforts to Restore
- Debates on Restoration
Replicas and Tributes
Gallery
See also

History of the Bamiyan Buddhas

Bamiyan was a very important stop on the Silk Road. This famous ancient trade route connected China with the Western world. Imagine caravans of merchants traveling through these mountains! Because of its location, Bamiyan became a lively center for different religions, ideas, and art. Many Buddhist monks lived here, carving small caves into the cliffs where they could meditate. They often decorated their caves with statues and colorful paintings.

The two giant Buddhas were carved around 600 CE. They were built during a time when a group called the Hephthalites ruled the area. Even though the Hephthalites did not always follow Buddhism, Bamiyan remained a significant Buddhist site for a long time. This lasted from the 2nd century CE until around the 10th century CE, with some breaks.

The two main statues were of Buddha figures. The one called "Salsal" was 55 meters (180 feet) tall, and "Shah Mama" was 38 meters (125 feet) tall. Before they were destroyed, they were the largest standing Buddha carvings in the world.

After the statues were destroyed in 2001, scientists studied the remaining pieces. They confirmed that the smaller Eastern Buddha was built between 544 and 595 CE. The larger Western Buddha was built between 591 and 644 CE.

Historical records tell us that every year, many pilgrims would visit Bamiyan. They came to celebrate and make offerings to these huge statues. They were truly famous landmarks.

Ancient Visitors and Art

A Chinese Buddhist traveler named Xuanzang visited Bamiyan in 630 CE. He wrote that Bamiyan was a busy Buddhist center with many monasteries and monks. He also mentioned that the Buddha statues were "decorated with gold and fine jewels." This shows how magnificent they must have looked.

Engraving of the Buddhas, 19th century
Local men standing near the larger "Salsal" Buddha statue, c. 1940
Photographed by Françoise Foliot
Smaller, 38 meter Buddha in 1977
Possible reconstitution of the original appearance of the Western Buddha
Bamiyan themed postage stamp (1951) issued by Postes Afghanes

Colorful Cave Paintings

Panorama of the northern cliff of the Valley of Bamyan, with the Western and Eastern Buddhas at each end (before destruction), surrounded by a multitude of Buddhist caves.

Around the giant Buddhas, there were many caves with beautiful paintings on their walls. These paintings were made between the 6th and 8th centuries CE. They show a mix of art styles from ancient India, the Sasanian Empire, and the Byzantine Empire, as well as local influences.

Paintings of the Eastern Buddha

Ceiling of the smaller 38 meter Buddha
(7th century CE)

Central medallion: Sun God on his chariot

Lateral rows of attending Kings and dignitaries

Sun God in tunic and boots, on a charriot pulled by two horses. Vault of the 38 meter Buddha (now destroyed). This image of the Sun God is framed by two rows of King, dignitaries and Buddhas.

The ceiling of the smaller 38-meter Eastern Buddha had some of the most famous paintings. One central painting showed a Sun God riding a chariot pulled by horses. This god wore a special tunic and boots, and held a spear. It was similar to the Iranian god Mithra. Around the Sun God, there were rows of kings, important people, and other Buddha figures. Some of these figures looked like the Hephthalite rulers of the time. They might have helped pay for the statues. Sadly, these beautiful murals were lost when the Buddhas were destroyed in 2001.

Mural of the Sun God riding his golden chariot and rows of royal donors along the sides, over the head of the smaller 38 meter Eastern Buddha (carbon-dated to 544–595 CE).
Probable King of Bamyan, in Sasanian style, in the niche of the 38 meters Buddha, next to the Sun God, Bamyan.
Probable Hepthalite rulers of Tokharistan, with single-lapel caftan and single-crescent crown, in the lateral row of dignitaries next to the Sun God.

Paintings of the Western Buddha and Other Caves

The taller 55-meter Western Buddha also had murals on its ceiling and sides. These often showed Buddhist themes. Other nearby caves also contained many paintings.

Paintings of celestial beings in the niche of the 55 meter large Buddha.
Western Buddha, Niche, ceiling, east section E1 and E2.
Bodhisattva, ceiling of the niche of the Great Western Buddha, early 7th century, Bamiyan
Devotee in double-lapel caftan, left wall of the niche of the Western Buddha. He has also been described as a Hephthalite.

After the Buddhas were destroyed, more than 50 hidden caves were found. In 12 of these, new wall paintings were discovered. Researchers found that some of these paintings were made using oil paints, possibly as early as the 7th century. This is very exciting because it means oil painting might have started in this region much earlier than in Europe! Scientists studied tiny samples of the paint to learn about the colors and materials used.

Grotto painting in 2008

Bodhisattva Maitreya, ceiling of the cave E, late 7th early 8th century, Bamiyan
Buddha wearing a crown and a chamail cape. Painting in niche "I" at Bamiyan, 7th century CE
Devotee in double-lapel caftan, next to the Buddha. Cave G, Bamyan (detail)
Reconstructed mural of Cave G, Bamyan

The Destruction of the Buddhas

For many centuries, the Buddhas of Bamiyan stood tall. Even when Genghis Khan invaded the valley in 1221, the statues were left unharmed. Later, in the 17th century, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb tried to damage them with cannons, but they survived without major harm.

The Taliban's Decision to Destroy

Taller, 55 meter Buddha in 1963 and in 2008 after destruction

Smaller, 38 meter Buddha, before and after destruction. The paintings of Hepthalite royal sponsors on the ceiling have also disappeared.

During the Afghan Civil War, the area around the Buddhas eventually came under the control of the Taliban. In March 2001, the Taliban announced that they would destroy all statues of humans in Afghanistan. Their leader, Mullah Omar, gave the order on February 26, 2001. He stated that they wanted to destroy the statues because their beliefs did not allow for such images to be worshipped or respected.

This decision caused a huge international outcry. Countries and organizations around the world, including the UNESCO and many Islamic nations, strongly protested. They asked the Taliban to spare the ancient monuments, explaining their importance to global culture and history. Some even offered to help preserve them or move them to safety. However, the Taliban refused these offers.

How the Destruction Happened

Destruction of the site by the Taliban

Site of the larger statue after it was destroyed

Site of the smaller statue in 2005

The destruction began on March 2, 2001, and lasted for several weeks. First, the Taliban used anti-aircraft guns and artillery to shoot at the statues. This caused a lot of damage but did not completely destroy them because they were carved into the cliff. Then, they placed anti-tank mines at the base of the statues. Finally, they lowered men down the cliff face to place explosives directly into holes drilled into the Buddhas. After many explosions, the magnificent statues were gone. Local people were sadly forced to help in this destruction.

What Remains and Efforts to Restore

Caution Sign, 2017

Today, the giant Buddha figures are gone, but their outlines and the empty spaces where they once stood are still visible in the cliff. Visitors can still explore the many caves and passages where the monks lived.

Since 2002, many international groups and the Afghan government have been working to protect the site. They are carefully documenting and storing the fragments of the statues that remain. There is hope that some parts might be put back together in the future. This would use a process called anastylosis, which means rebuilding with original pieces combined with new materials.

In 2015, a Chinese couple used special 3D light projectors to beam an image of what the larger Buddha might have looked like into its empty niche for one night. It was a moving way to remember the lost statues.

After recent changes in Afghanistan in 2021, tourism to the site was allowed again. While preservation work faced challenges due to international situations, restoration efforts, supported by the Italian government, resumed in early 2023.

Debates on Restoration

There are different ideas about what should be done at Bamiyan. Some people believe the empty niches should remain as a reminder of the destruction. Others, like the local governor, think rebuilding the Buddhas would bring more tourists and help the community. Experts are studying the best ways to preserve the site and honor its history.

Replicas and Tributes

Arkady Fiedler Museum, Bamyan Replica

The destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas inspired people around the world to create replicas and tributes.

In China, work began in 2001 on a 37-meter (121-foot) Buddha statue. This is the same height as the smaller of the two Bamiyan Buddhas.
In Sri Lanka, a full-scale replica called the Tsunami Honganji Viharaya was built in 2006. It honors the victims of the 2005 tsunami.
The Arkady Fiedler Museum of Tolerance in Poland also has a replica.
An 80-foot (24-meter) stone Buddha was opened in Sarnath, India, in 2011.