Taliban Reportedly Destroys SAARC Cultural Monument Featuring Buddha Image in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan

Taliban Reportedly Destroys SAARC Cultural Monument Featuring Buddha Image in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan
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Local sources in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan province reported that Taliban authorities have destroyed a cultural monument built to commemorate the region’s designation as the cultural capital of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

According to the Afghan newspaper Hasht-e Subh, the monument was located in a park near the Bamiyan provincial governor’s office and included an image of Buddha. The structure was built in 2015 after SAARC selected Bamiyan as its cultural capital, highlighting the province’s historical and cultural significance.

The reported demolition has raised concerns among Afghan civil society activists and cultural heritage advocates over the preservation of historical symbols and monuments in the country.

Bamiyan is internationally known for its ancient Buddhist heritage, including the giant Buddha statues carved into the cliffs of the valley. Those statues were destroyed by the Taliban during their first period in power in 2001, an act that drew widespread international condemnation and was described by UNESCO as the destruction of cultural heritage.

The latest incident has renewed debate over the protection of Afghanistan’s diverse cultural legacy amid ongoing concerns about the condition of historical sites under Taliban rule