Mes Aynak

Mes Aynak is an ancient Buddhist archaeological site in Logar Province, dating back over 2,000 years. Once a thriving Buddhist trade center along the Silk Road, the site contains monasteries, stupas, statues, and artifacts, showcasing Afghanistan’s rich Buddhist heritage before the rise of Islam. Mes Aynak is also home to one of the world’s largest copper deposits, estimated at 5.5 million metric tons. The ongoing tension between cultural preservation and mining projects makes it a focal point of historical conservation efforts. Archaeologists have uncovered stunning sculptures, manuscripts, and murals, indicating the city's importance in the Buddhist world between the 2nd and 7th centuries.