Review Article: The Buddhist Monuments of Kabul

Abstract

This work by G. Fussman is to be welcomed as a vademecum for all future researches in Afghanistan. Scholars and students will find here an analytical collection of data, those provided by the old scientific literature, those extracted from the Author's personal experience, and those newly available thanks to recent archaeological work in the area. An analytical reconstruction of the original appearance, building technique and dating of the monuments is attempted with the sharp insight of someone who is not only well acquainted with Buddhist architecture, but moreover endowed with a sense of “territorial” archaeology, which means attention to relevant questions such as environmental, economic, and cultural constants and changes. Thus, the comprehensive reading of the evidence spread across the whole of the territory under scrutiny, and the sharply focused examination of the single issues, always accompanied by comparisons and connections, not only add to our knowledge but also prompt us to enlarge our focus and try the way for further research.