The government took action in a strict interpretation of Islamic law banning idols.
Background
In early 2001, the Taliban began destroying the Great Buddhas of Bamiyan. These images of the religious leader, Buddha, were carved into cliffs about 1,500 years ago and stand more than 100 feet high.
At that time, Afghanistan’s government was a theocracy controlled by the Taliban. The Taliban, which practice an extreme form of Islam, felt that the statues encouraged idol worship.
When the statues were in the process of being destroyed there was an international outcry. The statues were art, religious and cultural treasures and are considered among the earliest Buddhist art. Preservationists pointed to the worldwide historical and cultural significance, while others called for religious tolerance.
The Taliban refused to bow to international pressure and the statues were destroyed.
After the events of September 11, 2001 and war in the country, Afghanistan is evolving into a democracy. In early 2011, researchers began discussing ways to preserve and possibly rebuild from the remnants of the Buddhas.
Over World Protests, Taliban Are Destroying Ancient Buddhas New York Times, March 4, 2001 Why the Taliban are destroying Buddhas USA Today, March 22, 2001 The Giant Buddhas film The Giant Buddhas film Remains of Bamiyan Buddhas yield additional details about statues' origins Washington Post. March 5, 2011 |