From destroyers to guardians? Taliban now vow to protect Afghanistan’s ancient relics
Experts point out that this concern does not extend to Afghanistan’s intangible heritage. Music, dance, folklore, and any artistic expression involving women remain strictly prohibited under the group’s interpretation of Islamic law
After gaining global notoriety for destroying the Bamiyan Buddhas in 2001, the Taliban regime now claims to be championing the preservation of Afghanistan's historical and cultural heritage — including relics from pre-Islamic civilisations.
According to a report by AFP, the Taliban, even months before their 2021 return to power, had begun calling for the protection of the country's archaeological artefacts. In a statement made in February that year, they declared: "All have an obligation to robustly protect, monitor and preserve these artefacts," calling them "part of our country's history, identity and rich culture."
Since the end of decades-long conflict, fresh archaeological discoveries — many linked to Buddhism — have surfaced and are being highlighted by the Taliban authorities themselves.
In eastern Laghman province, niches carved into the rocky landscape of Gowarjan village are believed to be ancient storerooms dating back to the Kushan empire, which ruled the region 2,000 years ago. Carved Brahmi inscriptions and even a stone slab used for grape-wine production have also been unearthed in the area.
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"It is said that Afghan history goes back 5,000 years — these ancient sites prove it; people lived here," Mohammed Yaqoub Ayoubi, head of the provincial culture and tourism department told AFP.
"Whether they were Muslim or not, they had a kingdom here," he added, noting that the Taliban gives "a great deal of attention" to protecting such sites.
In nearby Ghazni, similar sentiments were echoed by the region's information and culture head, Hamidullah Nisar.
Recently discovered Buddhist statuettes, he said, must be "protected and passed down to future generations because they are part of our history."
Such attitudes mark a dramatic shift from the Taliban's first regime, which famously razed the 1,500-year-old Bamiyan Buddhas following orders by founder Mullah Omar, dismissing international condemnation at the time.
"When they returned, people thought they would have no regard for historical sites," said Mohammed Nadir Makhawar, director of heritage preservation in Laghman, who held the position during the previous Republic.
"But we see that they value them."
The Taliban reopened the Afghan National Museum in December 2021 — a facility they had previously ransacked — and approached the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) the following year to help preserve the Mes Aynak site, home to both Buddhist ruins and a Chinese-contracted copper mine.
"The request was unexpected," said Ajmal Maiwandi, AKTC's head in Afghanistan.
He noted an "enthusiasm" from Taliban authorities to support the conservation efforts.
"I think the Taliban have understood how much the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas damaged their reputation," said Valery Freland, director of the ALIPH Foundation.
"They seem concerned today with preserving material heritage in all its diversity."
However, experts point out that this concern does not extend to Afghanistan's intangible heritage. Music, dance, folklore, and any artistic expression involving women remain strictly prohibited under the group's interpretation of Islamic law.
Even as a historic synagogue in Herat city remains preserved, local authorities have discouraged media coverage of the site and of the city's former Jewish community.
Afghanistan has ratified several international heritage conventions since the Taliban's first rule, and the destruction of cultural property is now considered a war crime.
According to an industry expert, heritage preservation now presents an opportunity to improve Afghanistan's global image and drive tourism and economic growth. However, the official warned of major hurdles — from funding constraints to the post-2021 exodus of the country's top archaeologists and heritage professionals.
Security concerns also persist.
A recent militant attack targeted tourists visiting Bamiyan, raising doubts over the country's readiness for international tourism.
At the modest museum in Laghman, where Buddhist statuettes are shielded only by plastic bags and old newspapers, Ayoubi says urgent support is needed to conserve and research the artefacts, many of which were discovered in villagers' yards.
"It was discovered last year in the courtyard of a farm, among milling cows and goats," he said, pointing to a statuette depicting the face of a Buddhist goddess.
Looting remains a persistent threat, with a 2023 University of Chicago study identifying at least 30 sites still being "actively pillaged".
Despite these challenges, AKTC's Maiwandi remains "cautiously optimistic".
"The situation in Afghanistan can change quickly," he said.
