The Buddhas of Bamyan were two monumental statues carved into the cliffs of the Bamyan Valley in Afghanistan. Created in the 6th century, these statues depicted the Buddha in various postures and were among the largest standing Buddhas in the world, with the tallest reaching 55 meters. They were significant examples of ancient Buddhist art and culture. In March 2001, the Taliban destroyed the Buddhas, claiming they were idolatrous. This act drew international condemnation and highlighted the ongoing conflict between cultural heritage preservation and extremist ideologies. Today, the site remains a symbol of both the rich history of Buddhism in the region and the tragic loss of cultural artifacts.