Latest news with #Buddhas
The Mainichi
10-05-2025
- The Mainichi
Giant Buddha statue with 'sunglasses' near Nagoya a social media hit
KONAN, Aichi -- A gentle-faced giant Buddha statue with "sunglasses" in this central Japan city, north of Nagoya, has become a popular spot. When seen from a site where a railroad crossing's black warning signal lights overlap the serene eyes of the statue beyond, the stylish "sunglasses Buddha" appears. Located near Hotei Station on Nagoya Railroad Co.'s (Meitetsu) Inuyama Line in the heart of Konan, Aichi Prefecture, this Buddha has long been affectionately known as the "Buddha of Hotei" by locals. Even bigger than the Great Buddha of Nara After photos of the Buddha with "sunglasses" were shared on social media, it quickly gained attention as a photogenic spot. A few minutes' walk from the railroad crossing, the Buddha emerges in the middle of a residential area. Made of concrete and standing 18 meters tall, a nearby signboard notes that it is about 2 meters taller than the Great Buddha of Nara, the national treasure at the popular tourist spot Todai-ji Temple in the ancient Japanese capital of Nara. Up close, its imposing presence is overwhelming. Featured on city promotional posters, keychains But why is there a Buddha statue there? According to the city's tourism association, local acupuncturist Hidenobu Maeda invested his own funds in 1949 to build the statue to help people overcome hardships from illnesses, and the Buddha of Hotei was completed in 1954. Currently managed by Maeda's surviving relatives, it is considered one of the largest privately owned Buddhas in Japan. The statue's social media popularity led to its inclusion on the city's promotional posters. In 2024, a keychain featuring the Buddha with sunglasses was launched as part of merchandise to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the incorporation of Konan as a city and is reportedly selling well. Illuminated for crime prevention In addition to boosting local pride, the Buddha also contributes to crime prevention. During spring and fall public safety campaigns, local police illuminate the statue. The light color changes according to the jurisdiction's crime situation -- red for incidents like telephone fraud and burglaries, and blue otherwise, to raise awareness. Yoichi Yoshii, an assistant section chief at the city government's planning department, acknowledged, "The statue's not public property," but eagerly added, "We want to continue planning events related to it." When an Inuyama Line train passes, the two warning lights at the rail crossing flash red alternately, as if the Buddha is winking from behind his sunglasses. The spot is about a 12-minute walk north of Hotei Station.
The Mainichi
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Japan Photo Journal: Buddha characters perform traditional dance at Kyoto temple
People wearing gold Buddha masks perform a traditional slow-moving dance at Matsunoodera temple in Maizuru, Kyoto Prefecture, May 8, 2025. A total of six performers, two each representing the Buddhas Dainichi Nyorai, Shaka Nyorai and Amida Nyorai, showcased their dances to the accompaniment of "gagaku" ancient Japanese court music. Under the clear May sky, many visitors attentively watched the slow movements of the performers. This traditional event, which is said to have continued for more than 600 years, was designated as an important intangible folk cultural property in 2004. The dances and gagaku music performances have been handed down by a preservation society made up of local residents. (Japanese original by Toshio Shioda, Maizuru Local Bureau)
News.com.au
22-04-2025
- Politics
- News.com.au
Taliban change tune towards Afghan heritage sites
In March 2001, the Taliban shocked the world by dynamiting the giant Buddhas of Bamiyan. Two decades later, they are back in power and claim to be making strides to preserve Afghanistan's millennia-old heritage, including pre-Islamic relics. Even months before their takeover in 2021 the Taliban called for the protection of ancient artefacts in the country, sparking scepticism among observers. "All have an obligation to robustly protect, monitor and preserve these artefacts" and sites in Afghanistan, the Taliban authorities declared in February that year. They are "part of our country's history, identity and rich culture". Since their return to power and decades of war ended, archaeological finds -- particularly related to Buddhism -- have proliferated, with discoveries publicised by the authorities. In eastern Laghman province, niches carved into rocks in Gowarjan village are believed to have been storerooms dating back to the Kushan empire, which 2,000 years ago stretched from the Gobi desert to the river Ganges. Also in Laghman, carved Brahmi inscriptions have been found, along with a hollowed out stone slab used for pounding grapes for wine. "It is said that Afghan history goes back 5,000 years -- these ancient sites prove it; people lived here," said Mohammed Yaqoub Ayoubi, head of the provincial culture and tourism department. "Whether they were Muslim or not, they had a kingdom here," he told AFP, adding that the Taliban authorities afford "a great deal of attention" to the preservation of these sites. In nearby Ghazni province, the information and culture head Hamidullah Nisar echoed the sentiment. Recently uncovered Buddhist statuettes must be "protected and passed down to future generations because they are part of our history", he said. - 'They value them' - These relics would have likely met a different fate during the Taliban's first rule from 1996 to 2001. Days after Taliban founder Mullah Omar ordered the destruction of all Buddhist statues to prevent idol worship, the gigantic 1,500-year-old Buddhas of central Bamiyan province were pulverised -- the Taliban having been unmoved by international outcry. "When they returned, people thought they would have no regard for historical sites," said Mohammed Nadir Makhawar, director of heritage preservation in Laghman, a position he held under the ousted Republic. "But we see that they value them." In December 2021, the Taliban reopened the Afghan National Museum, where they had once destroyed pre-Islamic artefacts. The following year, they reached out to the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) to help preserve the historic Buddhist site of Mes Aynak, where there is also a copper mine under a development contract with a Chinese consortium. "The request was unexpected," said Ajmal Maiwandi, the head of AKTC in Afghanistan, who even noted an "enthusiasm" from the authorities to support the conservation work. "I think the Taliban have understood how much the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas damaged their reputation," said Valery Freland, director of the ALIPH foundation, the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage. "They seem concerned today with preserving material heritage in all its diversity," he added. However, experts have highlighted that the Taliban authorities do not extend the same concern to intangible heritage: music, dance, folklore and anything involving women remain a red line in their severe interpretation of Islam. And while a historic synagogue in Herat city was preserved after the Taliban takeover, local authorities have recently resisted media attention on the site and the city's former Jewish community. - 'Cautiously optimistic' - Afghanistan has signed several conventions on heritage since the Taliban's first reign, with its destruction deemed a war crime in 2016. Beyond the risk of angering the international community -- whose recognition the Taliban seek -- Afghanistan's heritage represents "a potential lever for the country's tourism and economic development", said an industry expert speaking on condition of anonymity. However, the authorities face two major challenges, the source said, pointing to a lack of financial resources and the departure -- following their takeover -- of "the archaeological and heritage elite". Security could hamper tourism ambitions as well; a group visiting Bamiyan was targeted in a deadly militant attack last year. In the tiny Laghman museum, a plastic bag and newspaper serve as protection for the statuettes, one of which depicts the face of a Buddhist goddess. It was discovered last year in the courtyard of a farm, among milling cows and goats. Ayoubi says he needs help to properly conserve and study them to determine their precise age, a process hampered by four decades of war in Afghanistan. Looting has also proved an ongoing challenge, with no fewer than 30 sites still being "actively pillaged", according to a 2023 study by University of Chicago researchers. Even if preservation projects have not been disrupted, Maiwandi remains "cautiously optimistic". "The situation in Afghanistan can change quickly," he said.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Taliban change tune towards Afghan heritage sites
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel In March 2001, the Taliban shocked the world by dynamiting the giant Buddhas of Bamiyan . Two decades later, they are back in power and claim to be making strides to preserve Afghanistan's millennia-old heritage, including pre-Islamic months before their takeover in 2021 the Taliban called for the protection of ancient artefacts in the country, sparking scepticism among observers."All have an obligation to robustly protect, monitor and preserve these artefacts" and sites in Afghanistan, the Taliban authorities declared in February that are "part of our country's history, identity and rich culture".Since their return to power and decades of war ended, archaeological finds -- particularly related to Buddhism -- have proliferated, with discoveries publicised by the eastern Laghman province, niches carved into rocks in Gowarjan village are believed to have been storerooms dating back to the Kushan empire, which 2,000 years ago stretched from the Gobi desert to the river in Laghman, carved Brahmi inscriptions have been found, along with a hollowed out stone slab used for pounding grapes for wine."It is said that Afghan history goes back 5,000 years -- these ancient sites prove it; people lived here," said Mohammed Yaqoub Ayoubi, head of the provincial culture and tourism department."Whether they were Muslim or not, they had a kingdom here," he told AFP, adding that the Taliban authorities afford "a great deal of attention" to the preservation of these nearby Ghazni province, the information and culture head Hamidullah Nisar echoed the uncovered Buddhist statuettes must be "protected and passed down to future generations because they are part of our history", he said.- 'They value them' -These relics would have likely met a different fate during the Taliban's first rule from 1996 to after Taliban founder Mullah Omar ordered the destruction of all Buddhist statues to prevent idol worship, the gigantic 1,500-year-old Buddhas of central Bamiyan province were pulverised -- the Taliban having been unmoved by international outcry."When they returned, people thought they would have no regard for historical sites," said Mohammed Nadir Makhawar, director of heritage preservation in Laghman, a position he held under the ousted Republic."But we see that they value them."In December 2021, the Taliban reopened the Afghan National Museum , where they had once destroyed pre-Islamic following year, they reached out to the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) to help preserve the historic Buddhist site of Mes Aynak, where there is also a copper mine under a development contract with a Chinese consortium."The request was unexpected," said Ajmal Maiwandi, the head of AKTC in Afghanistan, who even noted an "enthusiasm" from the authorities to support the conservation work."I think the Taliban have understood how much the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas damaged their reputation," said Valery Freland, director of the ALIPH foundation, the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage."They seem concerned today with preserving material heritage in all its diversity," he experts have highlighted that the Taliban authorities do not extend the same concern to intangible heritage: music, dance, folklore and anything involving women remain a red line in their severe interpretation of while a historic synagogue in Herat city was preserved after the Taliban takeover, local authorities have recently resisted media attention on the site and the city's former Jewish community.- 'Cautiously optimistic' -Afghanistan has signed several conventions on heritage since the Taliban's first reign, with its destruction deemed a war crime in the risk of angering the international community -- whose recognition the Taliban seek -- Afghanistan's heritage represents "a potential lever for the country's tourism and economic development", said an industry expert speaking on condition of the authorities face two major challenges, the source said, pointing to a lack of financial resources and the departure -- following their takeover -- of "the archaeological and heritage elite".Security could hamper tourism ambitions as well; a group visiting Bamiyan was targeted in a deadly militant attack last the tiny Laghman museum, a plastic bag and newspaper serve as protection for the statuettes, one of which depicts the face of a Buddhist was discovered last year in the courtyard of a farm, among milling cows and says he needs help to properly conserve and study them to determine their precise age, a process hampered by four decades of war in has also proved an ongoing challenge, with no fewer than 30 sites still being "actively pillaged", according to a 2023 study by University of Chicago if preservation projects have not been disrupted, Maiwandi remains "cautiously optimistic"."The situation in Afghanistan can change quickly," he said.
Int'l Business Times
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
Taliban Change Tune Towards Afghan Heritage Sites
In March 2001, the Taliban shocked the world by dynamiting the giant Buddhas of Bamiyan. Two decades later, they are back in power and claim to be making strides to preserve Afghanistan's millennia-old heritage, including pre-Islamic relics. Even months before their takeover in 2021 the Taliban called for the protection of ancient artefacts in the country, sparking scepticism among observers. "All have an obligation to robustly protect, monitor and preserve these artefacts" and sites in Afghanistan, the Taliban authorities declared in February that year. They are "part of our country's history, identity and rich culture". Since their return to power and decades of war ended, archaeological finds -- particularly related to Buddhism -- have proliferated, with discoveries publicised by the authorities. In eastern Laghman province, niches carved into rocks in Gowarjan village are believed to have been storerooms dating back to the Kushan empire, which 2,000 years ago stretched from the Gobi desert to the river Ganges. Also in Laghman, carved Brahmi inscriptions have been found, along with a hollowed out stone slab used for pounding grapes for wine. "It is said that Afghan history goes back 5,000 years -- these ancient sites prove it; people lived here," said Mohammed Yaqoub Ayoubi, head of the provincial culture and tourism department. "Whether they were Muslim or not, they had a kingdom here," he told AFP, adding that the Taliban authorities afford "a great deal of attention" to the preservation of these sites. In nearby Ghazni province, the information and culture head Hamidullah Nisar echoed the sentiment. Recently uncovered Buddhist statuettes must be "protected and passed down to future generations because they are part of our history", he said. These relics would have likely met a different fate during the Taliban's first rule from 1996 to 2001. Days after Taliban founder Mullah Omar ordered the destruction of all Buddhist statues to prevent idol worship, the gigantic 1,500-year-old Buddhas of central Bamiyan province were pulverised -- the Taliban having been unmoved by international outcry. "When they returned, people thought they would have no regard for historical sites," said Mohammed Nadir Makhawar, director of heritage preservation in Laghman, a position he held under the ousted Republic. "But we see that they value them." In December 2021, the Taliban reopened the Afghan National Museum, where they had once destroyed pre-Islamic artefacts. The following year, they reached out to the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) to help preserve the historic Buddhist site of Mes Aynak, where there is also a copper mine under a development contract with a Chinese consortium. "The request was unexpected," said Ajmal Maiwandi, the head of AKTC in Afghanistan, who even noted an "enthusiasm" from the authorities to support the conservation work. "I think the Taliban have understood how much the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas damaged their reputation," said Valery Freland, director of the ALIPH foundation, the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage. "They seem concerned today with preserving material heritage in all its diversity," he added. However, experts have highlighted that the Taliban authorities do not extend the same concern to intangible heritage: music, dance, folklore and anything involving women remain a red line in their severe interpretation of Islam. And while a historic synagogue in Herat city was preserved after the Taliban takeover, local authorities have recently resisted media attention on the site and the city's former Jewish community. Afghanistan has signed several conventions on heritage since the Taliban's first reign, with its destruction deemed a war crime in 2016. Beyond the risk of angering the international community -- whose recognition the Taliban seek -- Afghanistan's heritage represents "a potential lever for the country's tourism and economic development", said an industry expert speaking on condition of anonymity. However, the authorities face two major challenges, the source said, pointing to a lack of financial resources and the departure -- following their takeover -- of "the archaeological and heritage elite". Security could hamper tourism ambitions as well; a group visiting Bamiyan was targeted in a deadly militant attack last year. In the tiny Laghman museum, a plastic bag and newspaper serve as protection for the statuettes, one of which depicts the face of a Buddhist goddess. It was discovered last year in the courtyard of a farm, among milling cows and goats. Ayoubi says he needs help to properly conserve and study them to determine their precise age, a process hampered by four decades of war in Afghanistan. Looting has also proved an ongoing challenge, with no fewer than 30 sites still being "actively pillaged", according to a 2023 study by University of Chicago researchers. Even if preservation projects have not been disrupted, Maiwandi remains "cautiously optimistic". "The situation in Afghanistan can change quickly," he said. Niches carved into rocks in Laghman province are believed to have been storerooms dating back to the Kushan empire, which 2,000 years ago stretched from the Gobi desert to the river Ganges AFP Even months before their return to power in 2021 the Taliban called for the protection of ancient artefacts in the country AFP The Taliban's call to preserve Afghanistan's heritage had been met with initial scepticism following their destructive first rule AFP A lack of financial resources poses a challenge to the Taliban authorities' ambitions for Afghanistan's archaeological heritage AFP
