2,000-Year-Old Buddhist Statue Discovered in Kapisa, Afghanistan

2,000-year-old Greco-Buddhist statue depicting a queen has been discovered in Kapisa, shedding new light on Afghanistan’s rich ancient cultural and artistic heritage.

The Taliban’s Department of Information and Culture in Kapisa province announced the discovery of an ancient statue dating back to the Buddhist period.

The statue was reportedly recovered from a house in the “Kara Taz” area, within the jurisdiction of the second security district, the department said in a Tuesday statement.

Authorities claim the artifact is approximately 2,000 years old and crafted in the Greco-Buddhist style, reflecting a blend of Hellenistic and Buddhist artistic influences.

The statue depicts the face of a queen from the Buddhist era, offering insights into the region’s ancient cultural and artistic heritage.

The discovery comes amid ongoing criticism of the Taliban, who have been accused by historians and international organizations of damaging or neglecting cultural and historical sites.

Afghanistan has a rich history of Buddhist civilization, particularly in regions like Kapisa and Bamyan, which were once major centers of Greco-Buddhist art and learning.

Many ancient Buddhist statues and monasteries in Afghanistan were destroyed during past conflicts, including the Taliban’s demolition of the Bamyan Buddhas in 2001, drawing global condemnation.

Experts say the newly discovered statue could provide valuable information about ancient Afghanistan art, culture, and trade links with Buddhist civilizations.

Local authorities have reportedly secured the artifact, though it remains unclear if international archaeologists will be allowed to study it amid concerns about preservation and Taliban oversight.

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