The Renaissance of Bamiyan (Afghanistan) and Some Proposals for the Revitalisation of the Bamiyan Valley

A modular approach for the revitalization of Bamiyan Valley, Afghanistan, has been proposed to integrate cultural development with sustainable practices. This 'downstream approach' focuses on the southern branch of the Silk Road, including sites like Jam, Band-i-Amir, Bamiyan, and Shar-i-Zohak. The proposal includes fixed elements such as soil erosion mitigation in Shahr-e-Zohak, rehabilitation of minor sites in Kakrak, reconstruction of the bazaar near the Great Western Buddha, revitalization of Shahr-e Gholghola, removal of statue fragments from niches, and small museums at each niche. Additionally, four alternative solutions for niche valorization are suggested, ranging from emptying niches to temporary reconstructions using local marble/stone with anthropomorphic robots. This study aims to contribute to the cultural development of Afghanistan while preserving its heritage.

Margottini, C., Bruno, A., Casagli, N., Massari, G., Rüther, H., Tincolini, F., & Tofani, V. (2020). The Renaissance of Bamiyan (Afghanistan) and Some Proposals for the Revitalisation of the Bamiyan Valley. The Future of the Bamiyan Buddha Statues, 275–306. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-51316-0_17