[LETTER #4]

DATE: EST. 1689
NAME: SUBAKTGIN; FORMER TURKISH SLAVE
ORIGIN: BAMIYAN
LANGUAGE: PERSIAN
TYPE: TRANSCRIBED ORAL STORY

Our ancestors were forced to come here to Bamiyan with the old Turkish Governor of Balkh many many years ago. They were witness to the intial traditions of this land, and were able to help the governor a great deal in destroying any embellishments and idols that were against the wishes of the Prophet, peace be upon him. They assisted in taking the princes captive and converting them to the proper path of Islam. Our family line also witnessed initial entry of this Mongol imperial line, as the current Indian Mughal emperor Auranzeb’s predecessor Akbar did a great deal for for the non-Islamic community. He preached the Quranic principle of pluralism and understood that because the Muslim population was so new and small, without all his non-Muslim subjects, his empire would not survive (Armstrong, 2001). Under Akbar all spiritual practices; Buddhism, Judaism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, and Muslims, lived harmoniously together, and Muslims specfically did not target the artistic interpretations of the idolotor faiths (Armstrong, 2001). Unfortunately for you my dearest grandchildren, the peaceful way of living will not remain. Auranzeb promotes a very aggressive Islam, and is trying everything in his power to suppress any ‘deviant cults’, that is any religion that is not Islam (Armstrong, 2001). We will be alright, because we are Muslim, our friends and neighbours will not be saved. His latest act has been to order cannon-shots to be fired at the colossal images of the big Buddha, and the surrounding artwork (Upasak 1990, 164). This has caused an outcry from not only the few remaining Buddhists in this region, but for all of us who appreciate the great history of this beautiful valley, as it is part of our history too. Aurangzeb’s intolerance is not written in the Quran, he has far departed from the valuable words of the Prophet peace be upon him, and we will not follow his wishes (Armstrong, 2001). I am sorry that the future of our ancestorial line will not be able to witness this valley, in the same way of those who came before us.

Relevant Pictures:

Damages Wall Painting in the niche of the Big Buddha