Restoration of Bamyan’s Historical Sites Underway

Bamyan, known for its ancient sites and historical monuments, attracts thousands of domestic and international tourists every year.

According to available information, eight historical sites in Bamyan were inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2003. However, some of these sites have been damaged by snowfall, rainfall, and negligence by local residents.

The head of Bamyan’s Department of Information and Culture says that sections of three historical sites have been restored this year, while restoration work at two other sites is underway at a cost of more than $150,000.

Sayed Mustafa Saleh, Head of Bamyan’s Department of Information and Culture, said: “At the beginning of this solar year, we had a project to restore the ancient city of Gholghola, which has now been completed. Two other projects worth more than $150,000 are currently underway at two historical sites in the Dawoodi area and Foladi Valley.”

According to the project’s implementing official, the restoration work includes the construction of walkways, iron barriers, drainage channels, and flood protection structures. The projects are expected to be completed to standard specifications by the end of this calendar year.

Abdul Wakil, the project’s implementing official, said: “This canal is being constructed according to proper standards. It was damaged by floods in this village, but its condition has now improved. Work is continuing to prevent further damage to this historical site.”

Meanwhile, several cultural activists and residents of Bamyan have welcomed the implementation of such projects, describing them as an important step toward the growth and development of the tourism industry.

Abdullah Begzad, a cultural activist in Bamyan, said: “The restoration and repair of historical monuments can help preserve and protect these sites. In addition, it can have a positive impact on job creation and tourism development.”

Abdul Hakim, a resident of Bamyan, said: “We are happy to be working on this project and earning wages. We also hope that more projects will be implemented for local residents.”

According to figures from Bamyan’s Department of Information and Culture, more than half a million tourists have visited the province’s historical and recreational sites since the beginning of the current solar year, representing a 50 percent increase compared with last year.