The Bamiyan Buddhas were two monumental statues of standing Buddha figures carved into the cliffs of the Bamiyan Valley in Afghanistan. Created in the 6th century, they were among the largest statues of Buddha in the world, with the larger statue reaching 55 meters in height. The Buddhas represented the artistic and cultural achievements of the region during the time of the Silk Road. In March 2001, the Taliban destroyed the Bamiyan Buddhas, claiming they were idolatrous. This act drew international condemnation and highlighted the ongoing conflict between cultural heritage and extremist ideologies. Today, the site remains a symbol of the loss of cultural history and the importance of preservation efforts.