Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Kabul (BNA) The fourth phase of reconstruction on the ancient sites of Bamyan will start with financial aid of Japan by the Japanese specialists at the end of current month.
So far Japan has provided USD 5 million for further consolidation of the sides of Buddha statues, archeological investigations, cleaning of its wall sides of Bamyan.
Abdul Ahad Abbasi head of preservation and repairing of historic monuments of ministry of information and culture said that a training center for preservation of cultural heritage has been made active with the cooperation of UNESCO office of Japan and so far sites of Ghulghula of Zahak city, Kakrak and upper portions of statue has been cleared of mines and the minarets of Ghulghula city has been repaired.
According to Abbasi the ministry with the cooperation of UNESCO intends to repair some of the shrines which are not included in the world list, adding that in charges of the ministry proposed at the Tokyo working meeting that by using of fallen pieces of the statues possibly one of the statues can be repaired.
The ministry therefore intends with the cooperation of UNESCO and international specialists repair one of the statues.
Also the ministry had proposed to the Tokyo specialists meeting practical repairing work be applied on the minaret of Zahak city that are included in the world heritage.
Omar Sultan acting deputy minister of information and culture for cultural affairs said that UNESCO and foreign specialists has accepted the proposal of the ministry and it is expected during the current year Japanese specialists and UNESCO carry on archeological investigations and basic repairs in Zuhak city and also establish a museum nearby the statues of Bamyan in which the fallow pieces of the statues along with their history be preserved.
He stressed that a site museum will also be established on the site where Dr. Tarzi is carrying archeological research.
He added that as a result of our efforts the Bamyan statues and their surrounding as well as the Jam minaret are enlisted in the world cultural heritage and the Herat city is also a candidate to the list and it is expected that the Balkh province too especially the Nogunbed is enlisted at the world cultural heritage list.
Agha Khan Foundation with the aid provided by Norway has facilitated electricity for homes surrounding the statues of Bamyan and its ancient sites.
Also the road of Bamyan-Yakawlang is constructed till the end of this year with the Japanese assistance.
