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Kotal-e Chawni: Old Russian Tanks

Explore the haunting remnants of the Soviet-Afghan War at Kotal-e Chawni, where rusting tanks meet the breathtaking beauty of the Bamyan Valley [4].

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Kotal-e Chawni, also known as the Old Russian Tanks, is a haunting yet compelling attraction in the Bamyan Valley. These rusting Soviet-era military vehicles serve as a stark reminder of the Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989) and its lasting impact on Afghanistan [4].

A brief summary to کوتل چوونی Old Russian Tanks

  • مجسمه یادبود استاد مزاری, Bamyan, AF

Local tips

  • Consider the broader context of the Soviet-Afghan War to fully appreciate the significance of the Old Russian Tanks [4].
  • The tanks are located near the statue of Abdul Ali Mazari. Visiting both sites provides a more comprehensive understanding of the region's history [4].
  • Bring your camera! The contrast between the tanks and the landscape offers unique photographic opportunities [4].
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Getting There

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From anywhere in Bamyan city, the most practical way to reach Kotal-e Chawni (Old Russian Tanks) is by taxi [4]. Negotiate the fare beforehand, and specify your destination as the 'statue of استاد مزاری' (Mujasma-e-Mazari), which is located near the tanks [4]. A typical fare should range from 200 to 350 Afghanis, depending on your starting point and negotiation skills [4]. The taxi will drop you off within a short walking distance of the tank site [4].

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Kotal-e Chawni, more commonly known as the Old Russian Tanks, presents a compelling, if somber, attraction for visitors to the Bamyan Valley in central Afghanistan [4]. These rusting hulks of Soviet-era military vehicles serve as a tangible reminder of the Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989), a conflict that left a lasting scar on the nation [4]. The tanks are not meticulously preserved museum pieces; rather, they sit where they were abandoned, slowly being reclaimed by the earth, adding to their haunting appeal [4]. Located near the statue of استاد مزاری in the vicinity of Bamyan, the tanks are easily accessible and offer a stark contrast to the stunning natural beauty that surrounds them [4]. The Bamyan Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, ancient Buddhist caves, and the now-empty niches where the colossal Buddhas of Bamyan once stood [4, 10]. The juxtaposition of these symbols of war against such a backdrop of cultural and natural significance creates a powerful and thought-provoking experience [4]. The tanks themselves are primarily T-55 and T-62 models, the workhorses of the Soviet army during that era [4]. They are weathered and worn, bearing the marks of time and conflict [4]. Some are partially buried in the sand, while others are missing parts, victims of scavenging or the ravages of war [4]. Graffiti covers some of the tanks, a testament to the generations who have grown up in the shadow of these metal behemoths [4]. Visiting the Old Russian Tanks is not just about seeing old military hardware; it's about connecting with a pivotal moment in Afghanistan's history [4]. The Soviet-Afghan War was a brutal and devastating conflict that resulted in the loss of countless lives and the displacement of millions [4]. The tanks serve as a reminder of the human cost of war and the enduring impact it has on communities [4]. Beyond their historical significance, the tanks also offer a unique photographic opportunity [4]. The combination of the rusting metal, the rugged landscape, and the clear Afghan sky creates a visually striking scene [4].

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