Buddhas of Bamiyan
Dispatches from Afghanistanfeature
Taliban orders coal traders to leave Afghanistan's Bamiyan Valley—but its residents say this is an empty promise
Since August 2021, illegal excavations and rapid development have destroyed much of the landscape surrounding the at-risk Buddhist heritage site
Afghanistannews
New concerns for the Bamiyan Valley's future in Taliban hands surface on anniversary of monumental Buddhas' destruction
Evidence of encroaching development, looting and a new coal depot near the site poses major threats to its status—and its future
Afghanistannews
Afghanistan’s Bamiyan Valley will collapse in the next ten years if looting and neglect continue, former Unesco representative warns
An increase in illegal development and excavations is damaging the structural integrity of the World Heritage Site that has stood for more than 1,000 years
Afghanistan: the threat of the Taliban to artists and heritage
Plus, artist Bill Fontana records Notre Dame's bells
Hosted by Ben Luke and Helen Stoilas. Produced by Julia Michalska, David Clack, Aimee Dawson and Henrietta Bentall
Sponsored byChristie's
Unescoarchive
Unesco criticises private campaign to choose new seven wonders
Scheme is led by former Unesco director
Unescoarchive
Disagreement over possible resurrection of Bamiyan Buddhas
Unesco sends out conflicting press releases
Unescoarchive
"An absolute political priority": Bamiyan Buddhas may be rebuilt
Unesco will convene an international meeting next month to discuss reconstruction