Safeguarding and Preservation Activities at the Giant Buddhas and Other Monuments in the Bamiyan Valley 2004–2017

The Bamiyan Valley's Giant Buddhas, particularly the Eastern Buddha niche, were successfully stabilized through innovative conservation methods despite significant challenges. The study highlights the use of specialized scaffold structures and advanced techniques for preserving sculpted conglomerate rock and loam components, addressing the complexities of working in a post-conflict zone with remnants of unexploded devices. Research into the stone materials and loam used in the Buddhas' construction informed these conservation strategies. However, debates among international experts on restoration methods delayed progress after 2013. As of 2019, the Eastern Buddha's remains are stabilized, while the Western Buddha awaits further stabilization efforts. The paper emphasizes the need for local conservation capacity-building and consensus on future missions to ensure long-term preservation.

Praxenthaler, B., & Beckh, M. (2020). Safeguarding and Preservation Activities at the Giant Buddhas and Other Monuments in the Bamiyan Valley 2004–2017. The Future of the Bamiyan Buddha Statues, 31–49. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-51316-0_3