The Dismantling of Afghan History

On February 26, 2001, the Taleban leadership issued an edict ordering the destruction of two of the world’s tallest Buddha statues located in the Bamyan province of central Afghanistan. Although the Taleban’s decision was condemned through out the world, the fundamentalist militia went ahead with the implementation of the edict. Below you will find the full text of the edict, the world’s reaction to it, and a synopsis of world’s failed efforts to save the Bamyan historic statues.

Statement by the Institute for Afghan Studies

Re-Creating Afghanistan Unearthing a Cultural Heritage in a Lost City
Kabul Museum
Museum Kabul – 1 Hadda – Tepe Shotur 1 Neu (6.4.2002) Nangarhar: Darunta, Tepe Shotur 4 Haibak & Bamiyan Museum Kabul – 2 Hadda – Tepe Shotur 2 Bamiyan – 1 Land & Leute Neu (2.4.2002) Museum Kabul – 3 Hadda – Tepe Shotur 3 Ghandak, Stupa Mori, Museum Ghazni, Qarez-i Mir Minar-i Jam Kabul 1969 [1] Kabul 1970 [1] Bamiyan, Shewaki, Surkh Kotal, Minar-e Chakri Doab, Surkh Kotal, Balkh, Mazar-i Sharif, Herat, Bost Kabul 1970 [2]

The Taliban Edict that Brought the Bamyan Statues Down photos from CNN

How the Precious Statues of Afghanistan Got Destroyed? A Chronology of Events

Afghan Reaction: "Insane act of cultural genocide... Afghans everywhere are outraged by the Taliban decision to destroy the country's 2000-year-old Buddhist heritage, including the world tallest standing Buddhas in Bamyan, and urge strong action..."Afghan Reaction Reaction from the Islamic World "Islam respects other cultures even if they include rituals that are against Islamic law..."more » United Nations Statements "The Secretary-General appeals to the Taliban leadership to abide by their previous commitments to protect Afghanistan's cultural heritage in general, and the two great Buddhist sculptures in Bamiyan in particular..."more » Reaction from the U.S. "It's horrible. It's a tragedy. It's a crime against humankind..." more » Asian Reaction ``I am deeply concerned at the possible destruction of the Bamiyan statue of Buddha in Afghanistan at a time when there is a closer understanding and better harmony among different religious traditions of the world..."more » Europe Reacts "Appalled by the willful destruction of cultural artifacts in Afghanistan. The damage to culturally unique Buddha statues by the Taliban cannot be justified..."more »

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