GULDARA
N 34º23.54 E 69º16.72 - AFGHANISTAN
According to early Buddhist texts, Buddha himself demonstrated to his followers how to build the first stupa by folding his cloak into a square as a base, then putting his alms bowl upside-down and on top of the cloak, with his staff on top of that to represent the spire.
The Guldara Stupa is one of the most beautiful Buddhist ruins in Afghanistan. It sits at the head of a valley on a proud spur of rock. Behind it is the remains of the adjoining monastery.
Guldara’s remote position probably accounts for its remarkable preservation. In the 19th century it was ‘discovered’ by British explorer and archaeologist Charles Masson, a deserter from the East India Company’s army who travelled extensively across Afghanistan documenting the Buddhist archaeological sites . Guldara was his favourite, ‘perhaps the most complete and beautiful monument of the kind in these countries.’
The role of a stupa has been described as a spiritual lighthouse, 'a source of the higher, ineffable illumination that brought enlightenment.’
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How you will help.
Jonah X Projects visited Guldara in July 2024. a journey through valley, riverbed, and desert trail. The Stupa rose with grace, echoing the lines of surrounding mountains. It seemed to belong profoundly to the place - to the valley - and yet floated above it. It was and is a site of perfect harmony. Of peace.
Our restoration work will include detailed documentation, stabilization of vulnerable parts, and protection of the site through improved drainage. The project provides skills development for Afghan professionals and employment for local communities while enhancing understanding of Afghanistan's diverse cultural heritage.
Start Date
There are almost 50 major Buddhist sites close to Kabul. In 2024 Jonah X Projects helped raise £250,000 for a local Afghan heritage organisation to survey and conserve some of them.
We are securing permissions at national and local level and are looking for funding for the initial survey phase.