Buddhist Bamiyan, Afghanistan, today

Will the Taliban bring the Buddhas of Bamiyan back to formerly Buddhist Afghanistan?

[CIA-ISI's] Taliban destroyed a 2,000-year-old wonder of Afghanistan 🇦🇫

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Note big man near right foot.

(Matt Shoe) Sept. 13, 2025: ⚠️ [Lithuanian Matt Shoe hits the road in Central Asia , ancient Gandhara, where the Buddha was born, Saka Land or Kapilavastu, for an adventure.] I begin my journey in front of the legendary Buddha statues of Bamiyan, Afghanistan — the ones destroyed by the [CIA and ISI-created] Taliban in 2001.

I break down the real story behind the destruction, separating myth from truth, and explaining how political motives — not religious extremism — led to the tragic demolition of these ancient marvels [which Madame Blavatsky claimed were far older than two millennia].

How to eat in Muslim Afghanistan

(Matt Shoe) 24 Hours of Eating in Afghanistan 🏳️🇦🇫, gluten, dead meat

Matt Shoe — Travel Content Creator

🕳️ Then, I venture deep into the surrounding Buddhist monastic caves carved into the Bamiyan cliffs — ancient Buddhist monasteries (viharas) — guided by a group of curious local Afghan kids.

The history etched into these walls is as haunting as it is beautiful. [This is the site of the world's oldest oil paintings.] 📜 I then reveal a lesser-known truth: The Taliban is actually considering rebuilding the Bamiyan Buddhas. Is it be a shift in ideology or a strategic political move?

🍽️ From there, I head into the town of Bamiyan to explore local Afghan cuisine — sampling some must-try dishes that reflect the heart of the Hazara culture.

American guy pulls up in American muscle car like Billie Eilish's on his way to go camping.

Where Siddhartha swam? Bamiyan Province

💦 The journey continues to [the Himalayan lakes of the Hindu Kush near Bamiyan called] Band-e Amir, Afghanistan’s first national park — a surreal set of turquoise lakes surrounded by towering cliffs.

Around the world in a purple muscle car?

Here, I meet Keith, an adventurous soul driving a purple American muscle car around the world. We join forces and go camping together in the Afghan wilderness.

(Sinclairs Search) Crossing Kazakhstan Desert in a muscle car

The Buddha's from Bamiyan

⚔️ In a twist few would expect, we encounter the legendary Taliban — not in conflict, but in conversation. They show us their weapons, speak openly about Islam, and offer insight into their worldview. It’s a raw, complex moment that challenges many stereotypes and headlines.

🏳️ Sinclairs (Keith the Muscle Car Guy) YouTube: ‪@sinclairs_search. Sinclairs Instagram: @sinclaires_search. My e-Books: Guides: mattshoe.travel/guides. Follow: Instagram: themattshoe. Facebook: mattshoeyoutube. TikTok: mattshoetravel. Business enquires: contact@mattshoe.travel.

• Matt Shoe, Sept. 13, 2025, and Keith (Sinclairs Search); Dhr. Seven, Amber Larson, Pfc. Sandoval (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly