Discovery of 150 Historical Sites in Bamiyan

The Directorate of Information and Culture in Bamiyan has announced that 150 historical and archaeological sites have been identified in the province, of which 110 have been officially registered by the directorate.

According to the officials of this directorate, efforts are ongoing to identify and register other historical sites and archaeological areas in the province.

Abdullah Baikzad, the director of historical monuments at the Directorate of Information and Culture in Bamiyan, said: “We have identified around 150 historical and archaeological sites, of which 110 have been registered, while the rest are yet to be documented.”

One of Bamiyan’s archaeological sites is called “Maghara-e-Kalla” (Skull Cave), located atop a mountain in the Foladi area, approximately 15 kilometers from Bamiyan city.

This cave, with its natural landscape and the presence of dozens of human bone fragments, especially skulls, has become a tourist destination in recent years.

Local residents state that despite centuries passing, no accurate historical information is available about the origin of these skulls and other human bones found in the cave.

Mohammad Hussain, a resident of Bamiyan, said: “This is a cave called Skull Cave, which is said to have forty doors, and in the third and fourth doors, many skulls can be found.”

Based on what locals have heard from their ancestors, this location was used as a prison in the past, and many bones of those imprisoned here can still be seen scattered around the cave.

Karim Dad, another resident of the Foladi area in Bamiyan, said: “They say that this was a prison in the past and was likely a war zone.”

In recent years, Bamiyan’s historical and natural sites have played a vital role in generating income for the local administration and residents of the province.

Several residents of Bamiyan are urging the interim government to pay greater attention to the restoration and preservation of these historical and natural sites.