The Bamiyan Buddhas once represented the dominance of the Buddhist faith within the Bamiyan Valley region, which was likely first introduced during the early Kushan period. Although we don’t know much about who commissioned or carved the Buddhists, their sheer scale and dominance demonstrates just how predominant the Buddhist faith would have been here. The site was once a central stop on the Silk Road trade route, and many of the merchants and missionaries who once stopped here would have been practicing Buddhists. It was a popular religion for such travelers because worship was possible without a single place to practice, such as a temple or shrine. It is in this context that Buddhist cave architecture first emerged, as a means of providing places for Buddhists to practice, evidence of which still remains along this route today.

The Bamiyan Buddhas demonstrated a remarkable fusion of styles from India, Asia and Greece. They once had long, wavy curls of hair and flowing drapery which originated from early Gandharan Buddhist imagery, which in turn combined Hellenistic and Indian styles of creation. Early descriptions of the sculptures from the 6th century Chinese monk Xuanzang (Hsuan-Tsang) also reveal that the Buddhas would once have been painted in gold pigments and richly adorned with precious metals and gems, while the cave around them was painted in richly toned oil paint. Some scholars believe the Buddhas would have worn wooden masks coated with brass, although this is still a subject of debate.

In 2001, Taliban fighters made it their mission to destroy the Bamiyan Buddhas. In part, they wanted to erase all traces of a pre-Islamic past, but they also wanted to make a loaded statement to the west at a time when international relations between the Taliban and the international community were at an all time low. It took significant force to destroy the colossal stone statues that had survived throughout the centuries – they used guns, tank mines and dynamite as the worldwide media watched on in horror. Since then, while the site has become protected by the UNESCO, debate continues as to whether the statue should be rebuilt, or the site should be left as it now is.

What to visit in Bamiyan?
1. Bamiyan Buddha Statues,
2. Band-e Amir National Park - Band-e Amir is a series of six deep blue lakes separated by natural dams made of travertine, a mineral deposit. The lakes are situated in the Hindu Kush mountains of central Afghanistan and are a beautiful sight to see. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax and take a dip in the cool, clear water.
3. Shar-e Gholghola - Shar-e Gholghola is a ruined city in Bamyan and it was once the capital of ancient Ghorian Empire. It was once a large and thriving city, but it was destroyed following a massive siege in the 13th century. Visitors can climb up to the ruins and the views from the top are breathtaking.
4. Kakrak Valley - The Kakrak Valley is a stunning landscape of red rocks and cliffs located in the heart of the Hindu Kush Mountains. The valley is worth exploring on foot as there are many trails weaving through the unique rock formations.
5. Citadel of Gholghola - The Citadel of Gholghola is one of the most well-preserved examples of medieval architecture in Afghanistan. The fortress was built in the 12th century and served as the center of the Ghorian Empire. Although it has suffered damage from wars and natural disasters, visitors can still see the intricate stonework and architecture that make up the citadel.
6. Hajj pilgrimage site - The Hajj pilgrimage site in the Bamyan province is an important destination for Afghan Muslims. It is believed that Hazrat Ali, the fourth caliph of Islam, is buried here along with other religious figures. Every year, hundreds of pilgrims visit the site during the Hajj season.
These are just a few of the many attractions that Bamiyan has to offer. Any visitor to the area is sure to be fascinated by the rich history, beautiful landscapes, and welcoming culture of the Bamyan province.