In March 2001, the Taliban destroyed two ancient Buddhist statues in Bamiyan, Afghanistan. What should the Taliban have done with the Buddhist statues? Find out what our poll said.
In March 2001, the Taliban destroyed two ancient Buddhist statues in Bamiyan, Afghanistan. Some saw the statues as historical treasures, while others saw them as polytheistic idols. What should the Taliban have done with the Buddhist statues? Find out what our poll said.
Current Status
Over 2000 people voted in our poll, choosing their answer to the following question:
What should the Taliban have done with the Buddhist statues in Afghanistan?
The choices were:
- Protected them as historical artifacts.
- Allowed international museums to purchase or remove the pieces.
- Destroyed them - they are idols which are forbidden in Islam.
The results showed that the majority (60%) felt that the statues should have been protected as historical artifacts. The other options each received about 20% of the vote.
History
The
About.com Guide to Archaeology gives a complete overview of the history and meaning behind the Taliban's decision to destroy the Buddhist statues.
