(MENAFN- Wadsam) Pieces of Buddhist manuscript written in Sanskrit on tree
bark were discovered on a hillside a few years ago in Mes Aynak—Afghanistan's
largest copper deposit located in southeast of Kabul in a barren region of
Logar Province—by the Afghan Institute of Archaeology.
Believed to date back to around the 7th century,
the manuscripts suggest the site was a prosperous Buddhist city.
According to experts, the site may have been the city described by seventh-century Chinese monk Xuanzang in the Great Tang Records on the Western Regions, which recorded his journey to India.
The Afghan government began a full-scale excavation of the
site in 2009. The site, hailed as one of the greatest archaeological
discoveries of this century, is facing a total destruction and is one of the
world's most critically endangered heritage sites.
In November 2007, a 30-year lease was granted
for the copper mine to China
Metallurgical Group Corp (MCC) for $3 billion, making
it the biggest foreign investment and private business venture in Afghanistan's
history.
Today, this historical site is facing a battle between commerce and culture. Valiant archaeologists areracing against timeto save this 5,000-year-old archaeological site from destruction.
Till date only 10% of Mes Aynak has been
excavated. Experts believe future discoveries could redefine our understanding
of ancient Afghanistan and the history of early Buddhism.
MENAFN2607201901760000ID1098810252
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.