Tapa Shotor, Buddhist monastery near Hadda, Afghanistan.
Tapa Shotor is an archaeological site near Hadda containing remnants of a large Buddhist monastery. The location holds clay sculptures and three-dimensional statues along with architectural remains that reveal the substantial scale of this religious complex.
The monastery was founded during the reign of Indo-Scythian king Azes II and operated as a religious center for many centuries. Fire destroyed much of the site in 1992, ending its existence as an archaeological resource in its original state.
The sculptures show how Buddhist teachings merged with Greek artistic traditions in this remote corner of Asia. Figures like Herakles and Tyche appear here in a religious context far from their Mediterranean origins.
Visiting requires special permissions due to its location in Nangarhar Province and current security considerations in the region. Travelers should check conditions beforehand and seek local guidance on access and safety.
A local archaeological team uncovered numerous intact sculptures and reliefs here that revealed direct connections between Hellenistic and Indian artistic traditions. These findings showed how far Greek influence actually extended into Central Asia.
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