bamiyan valley
states: [afghanistan]
category: cultural
year: 2003
location: Bamiyan Province, Bamiyan District
region: Asia and the Pacific
latitude/longitude: 34.8469400000, 67.8252500000
unesco id: 208
world heritage site: 208
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Bamiyan Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Afghanistan, recognized in 2003 and listed as World Heritage in Danger, is an ancient cultural landscape famed for its colossal Buddha statues, carved into cliffs between the 4th and 6th centuries CE, though destroyed in 2001. Nestled in a high valley, its caves, monasteries, and Silk Road relics reflect a blend of Greco-Buddhist art and medieval Islamic heritage. This site showcases Afghanistan’s rich historical tapestry, preserving a poignant legacy amid ongoing threats.