photo found here
When I first heard about the Buddhas several years ago, I became intrigued, so of course I started reading up on them. There were two Buddhas carved into the side of a mountain in Bamyan, Afghanistan along the Silk Route. They had been there since the 6th century even though the prominent religion in the area has been Muslim for quite a while.
The Muslim faith does not allow for idol worship so in 2001 the Taliban had had enough of the Buddhas and what they represented so they began a banning of all things "un-Islam". They made plans to destroy the Buddhas and immediately neighboring countries tried to intercede to save them.
They failed.
There are holes in the wall where the largest statues of Buddha used to reside.
Various groups and countries all over the world have pledged their support in reconstructing the site. Afghanistan, now no longer Taliban controlled, salvaged many of the original pieces and will be trying to use them in the rebuilding process.
I am so sick of war. I am more sick of hate and intolerance. Why is merely getting along such a hard concept to sell? Two blown to bits Buddhas don't even begin to compare to the cost of lives lost and families destroyed.
And I don't know how to change anything.
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