How T@LIBAN Destroyed Buddhas of Bamyan, Afghanistan?

Video Description

n this video, I travelled deep into the heart of Bamiyan Valley — one of the most beautiful and historically significant places in Afghanistan. Standing before the empty niches that once held the majestic Buddhas of Bamiyan was a surreal experience. These statues were among the tallest standing Buddhas in the world, carved more than 1,500 years ago directly into the sandstone cliffs by Buddhist monks when Bamiyan was a major centre of the Silk Route and a meeting point for travellers, traders, and pilgrims from across Asia. The story of the Buddhas goes back to the golden age of Gandhara art, when Afghanistan was a thriving link between India, Central Asia, and China. The cliffs of Bamiyan were once full of monasteries, meditation caves, and vibrant frescoes that showed how deeply Buddhism was rooted in this region. But history took a different turn. During the Mughal period, Emperor Aurangzeb reportedly ordered attempts to deface the statues, though their massive scale and the strong stone saved them from complete destruction. Centuries later, during the Afghan Civil War, the valley became a battlefield. The Buddhas — silent witnesses of history — were caught in the chaos. What centuries of weather, invasions, and empires couldn’t erase, the violence of modern conflict finally did. When the dust settled, what remained were two vast empty hollows carved into the mountains — a haunting reminder of what once stood there. Being here felt emotional. The landscape is still breathtaking — golden cliffs under a bright Afghan sky, local families living quietly among the ruins, and children running through fields surrounded by history. I spoke with a few locals who told me how deeply they miss what Bamiyan once was — a place of peace, learning, and culture. This journey reminded me that Afghanistan isn’t just about conflict — it’s about resilience, beauty, and a history that belongs to all of humanity. Standing there, I could almost imagine what this valley must have looked like when travellers and monks passed through centuries ago, hearing the wind whistle through the mountains and the sound of prayers echoing in the caves. If you’ve been following my previous travels across Afghanistan, you’ll know how connected I feel to this country and its people — their warmth, their hospitality, and their strength despite everything. This video is my humble attempt to show not only what was lost but also what still survives — the spirit of Bamiyan and the stories carved into its cliffs. Watch the full video to travel with me through Bamiyan Valley, explore its ancient caves, meet the locals, and feel the quiet power of one of the world’s greatest lost wonders.