Afghan children hold a banner for a mini-marathon aimed to raise local awareness about the urgent need to protect cultural relics in Bamiyan Province, central Afghanistan, on June 15, 2024. (Photo by Ziaodin Azad/Xinhua)
by Abdul Haleem
BAMIYAN, Afghanistan, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Some clad in simple sandals, Afghan children from the Bamiyan Valley set off on a run in front of the UNESCO-listed giant Buddhas site, an iconic symbol of Afghanistan's rich cultural history.
The event, which commenced on Saturday, was a mini-marathon organized by Afghan and Chinese archaeologists, including members from Bamyan University, Shanghai University, and Shanghai International Studies University.
The marathon aimed to raise local awareness about the urgent need to protect cultural relics in this war-torn country, according to the organizers.
Bamiyan is home to numerous cultural heritage sites, including the renowned Buddha statues that have stood for more than 1,400 years. In 2003, the cultural landscape and archaeological remains of Bamiyan Valley were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Unfortunately, these invaluable relics have suffered significant damage due to over four decades of war and civil strife, with many at risk of further deterioration if not properly restored and protected.
A total of 48 Afghan children, including 26 boys and 22 girls, participated in the marathon, according to Mohammad Taqqi Taqadosi, an organizer of the race.
"Our message to the world is that since the cultural heritage, especially in Bamiyan, belongs to all mankind, people across the globe have a responsibility to help protect it," said Taqadosi, also a professor with Bamyan University.
The children, aged between six and 12, were selected from families living in and around the Buddhas site. Taqadosi explained that through this event, they were trying to amplify their voices, encouraging both Afghans and the international community to safeguard these cultural treasures.
The race covered a distance of 4.2 km, with the top three runners receiving awards, including shoes and T-shirts, sponsored by the organizers.
The mini-marathon also served as a platform for the young participants to express their commitment to preserving Bamiyan's heritage.
"I contested the race today to show the importance of cultural heritage, like Buddha statues and Shahr-e-Zuhak, and to show people not to damage the cultural heritage," said Bahar Alizada, a 10-year-old girl competing in the event. ■
This photo taken on June 15, 2024 shows the awarding ceremony of a mini-marathon aimed to raise local awareness about the urgent need to protect cultural relics in Bamiyan Province, central Afghanistan. (Photo by Ziaodin Azad/Xinhua)
This photo taken on June 15, 2024 shows a mini-marathon aimed to raise local awareness about the urgent need to protect cultural relics in Bamiyan Province, central Afghanistan. (Photo by Ziaodin Azad/Xinhua)
Afghan children from the Bamiyan Valley warm up before a mini-marathon aimed to raise local awareness about the urgent need to protect cultural relics in Bamiyan Province, central Afghanistan, on June 15, 2024. (Photo by Ziaodin Azad/Xinhua)
