Since the demolition of the Giant Buddhas of Bamyan as a sign of fundamental and extremist ideology of so-called Islamic act of destroying any remnant of Buddhism school of thought, International Community and Afghan democratic government have aimed at the preservation and conservation of the historical & cultural sites of Bamyan to prevent further damage to the sites as they show the marvelous architecture of 1st and 6th centuries and the rich civilizations of centuries back. The demolition of the Buddha took place in the succession of inflicting the culture, history, infrastructure and identify of this region either by Abdur Rahman, the Soviets, Taliban or else.
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| Jawad Jahid Photography – 2011 |
A. Bamyan’s Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of Bamyan including 8 sites are inscribed on the World Heritage List and UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites in danger including;
1. The Buddha Cliff consisting of the Western and Eastern Buddha Niches and the Caves
2. Kakrak Caves including Kakrak Buddha
3. Caves of Akram Village in Foladi Valley
4. Caves of Ghammi Tower in Foladi Valley
5. Shar-e-Zuhak or the Red City
6. Shar-e-Gholghola or the Screaming City
7. Qala Kafiri A
8. Qala Kafiri B
B. Bamyan City has its Cultural Master Plan which identifies all 4 areas including; “World Cultural Heritage Site, National Cultural Heritage Site, Agriculture Sites and Green Fields and Urban Development Area”
C. Bamyan hosts the only National Park in Afghanistan with its Master Plan identifying protected areas and development zones
D. Bamyan organizes annual Nowroz (New Years) festival and Summer Silk Road festivals which are intended to promote cultural diversity of this region. After declaration of Bamyan as cultural center of SAARC countries, other member countries can also participate at these festivals to promote regional peace, integrity and fraternity
E. The strategic location of Bamyan ensures the sustainable economic independence of this region unless there is security threat.
F. There are interested international investment agencies tending to draw their attention towards Bamyan for its sustainable economic development potentials; i.e. the success of 2011 Bamyan Tourism Investment Conference is an example when some 62 national and international investment agencies announced to invest in Bamyan given the facts the central government shows its interest to providing suitable grounds for them.
Though slow, there are attempts to give Bamyan what it has the potential to return both culturally and financially. The future is ours.
Jawad Jahid
