Defaced Large Bamiyan Buddha. Bamiyan Province.

October 1999
As the Taliban regime gained power, the Large Buddha Was frequently abused, even though the leader of the Taliban, Mullah Omar issued ten decreescalling for the protection of cultural sites and relics, tasking the Academy of Science with the responsibility of caring for the heritage. However, these pronouncements fell on the deaf ears of many zealous extremists, one of whom lit a fire on the Buddha's chin.

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Filename: SPC-2001-4.jpg
Copyright: acku Afghanistan
Image Size: 6307x4004 / 4.8MB; 1999 Afghanistan Bamiyan Buddha Cultural Sites Archaeological Sites Slide LD 1999 02139
Contained in galleries: NATIONAL MUSEUM II: CE (Common Era)

October 1999<br />
As the Taliban regime gained power, the Large Buddha Was frequently abused, even though the leader of the Taliban, Mullah Omar issued ten decreescalling for the protection of cultural sites and relics, tasking the Academy of Science with the responsibility of caring for the heritage. However, these pronouncements fell on the deaf ears of many zealous extremists, one of whom lit a fire on the Buddha's chin.