The “Digital Gandhara” team is delighted to host Dr. Saqib Raza for a deep dive into the spectacular excavations at the Buddhist site of Abba Sahib Cheena in Swat, Pakistan.

This lecture explores the spectacular recent discoveries at the Abba Sahib Cheena Buddhist complex, where excavations have revealed a far more extensive site than previously known. Once known for three main stupas, the complex has now expanded to five with the exposure of Stupas D and E, unveiling a complete monastic city that includes two viharas, 18 chapels, a circular kitchen, meditation cells, and over 3,000 stunning artifacts. Dr. Saqib Raza will bring these finds—from stucco sculptures to ancient coins—to life, offering a first-hand look at how these breakthroughs are transforming our understanding of the region’s Buddhist heritage.

Our speaker, Dr. Saqib Raza, holds a Ph.D. from Hazara University and is currently engaged in a project with Harvard University on the digitization of Gandharan artifacts. His academic and professional career is devoted to the study, preservation, and promotion of South Asian heritage, with a particular emphasis on Gandharan art.

Our Discussant, Dr. Alexandra Vanleene, is a doctor of Antiquity Science, specializing in Buddhist Art and Archaeology of Gandhāra. She is a member of the Academic Committee for the Harvard FAS CAMLab Digital Gandhara Project.

Event Information

• Online via Zoom. Free and open to the public.
• November 5th (Wednesday)
• 9:30 AM EST

Please note

Advanced RSVP required.
The event will be conducted in English with simultaneous Mandarin Chinese captions.