The 175 feet high Buddha statue in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, destroyed in 2001.
Photo credit: Afghanistan Embassy
The two most prominent figures were the giant Buddha statues destroyed in 2001.
The second figure was also enormous and measured 120 feet in height.
Both figures were carved into niches of the cliff side in high relief.
Both statues were originally paintedthe larger one in carmine red and the smaller one in multiple colors.
He also noted that both Buddha figures were decorated in dazzling golden color and adorned with brilliant gems.
Historians believe that the monumental Buddha sculptures were carved into the cliffs between the 3rd to 6th centuries A.D.
They were perhaps the most famous cultural landmarks of the region attracting numerous pilgrims from all around.
It was the Afghan king Abdur Rahman Khan who eventually managed to destroyed its face.
This was extremely deplorable.
That is why I ordered its destruction.
Had they come for humanitarian work, I would have never ordered the Buddha’s destruction.
Two women walk past the huge cavity where one of the ancient Buddhas of Bamiyan used to stand.
Photo credit:A Lezine/UNESCO
Photo credit:Pierre Le Bigot/Flickr
The Buddha of Bamiyan, circa 1975.
Photo credit:Babak Fakhamzadeh/Flickr
Photo credit:Johannes Zielcke/Flickr
The smaller Buddha, after destruction.
Photo credit:Alessandro Balsamo/Wikimedia
View of the rock where monasteries and Buddhas are carved.
Photo credit: UNESCO/G.
Gonzales Brigas
Sources:Wikipedia/Khan Academy
