The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites are places of importance to cultural or natural heritage as described in the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, established in 1972.^[1] Cultural heritage consists of monuments (such as architectural works, monumental sculptures, or inscriptions), groups of buildings, and sites (including archaeological sites). Natural features (consisting of physical and biological formations), geological and physiographical formations (including habitats of threatened species of animals and plants), and natural sites which are important from the point of view of science, conservation or natural beauty, are defined as natural heritage.^[2] Afghanistan accepted the convention on March 20, 1979, making its sites eligible for inclusion on the list.^[3]

Minaret of Jam

Bamiyan

Location of World Heritage Sites in Afghanistan.

As of 2022^[update], there are two World Heritage Sites in Afghanistan, and a further four on the tentative list.^[3] The first site listed was the Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam, in 2002. The second site was the Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley, in 2003. Both sites are cultural, and were placed to the List of World Heritage in Danger immediately upon inscription.^[3]

UNESCO lists sites under ten criteria; each entry must meet at least one of the criteria. Criteria i through vi are cultural, and vii through x are natural.^[4]

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World Heritage Sites

Site	Image	Location (province)	Year listed	UNESCO data	Description
Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam†		Ghor	2002	211rev; ii, iii, iv (cultural)	The minaret was completed in 1194 under the Sultan Ghiyath al-Din Muhammad of the Ghurid dynasty. It is located in a remote area in a deep river valley. Likely, it is the only building that remains of the Ghurid summer capital of Firozkoh. It is 65 m (213 ft) tall and consists of four superimposed cylinders. It is covered by geometric designs and a Kufic inscription in turquoise tiles. The architecture of the minaret was influential in the region, including in the inspiration for the Qutb Minar in Delhi, India. Remains of Ghurid settlements from the 12th and 13th centuries have been found in the area. The site has been listed as endangered immediately upon inscription in 2002.[5]
Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley†		Bamyan	2003	208rev; i, ii, iii, iv, vi (cultural)	Located on one of the branches of the Silk Road, the Bamiyan Valley was a flourishing Buddhist centre between the 1st and 13th centuries and an important pilgrimage site. There are several Buddhist monuments in the area, including statues and carved caves. The exchange of Indian, Hellenistic, Roman, and Sasanian influences resulted in a particular artistic expression, the Gandhara art. Later, during the Islamic period, several fortifications were built, and the Buddhist culture declined. Two colossal standing Buddha statues (the larger one pictured) were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001, an act that resulted in international condemnation. The site has been listed as endangered immediately upon inscription in 2003.[6]

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In addition to sites inscribed on the World Heritage List, member states can maintain a list of tentative sites that they may consider for nomination. Nominations for the World Heritage List are only accepted if the site was previously listed on the tentative list.^[7] As of 2022^[update], Afghanistan lists four properties on its tentative list.^[3]