In a rarely-seen photo opportunity, Skateistan explores the beautiful juxtaposition of young Afghan skateboarders against different landmarks in Afghanistan.

In the above photo, Erika Ollies is photographed against the destroyed Buddhas of Bamiyan, a landmark that was built in the 6th century, but disintegrated by a Taliban attack in 2001.

Skateistan, The Tale of Skateboarding in Afghanistan is a new book that explores the “strange and beautiful intersection of traditional Afghan society and a new generation of Afghan skateboarders and artists. It features the innovative Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) ‘Skateistan’, which since 2007 has taught skateboarding and creative arts to girls and boys in Kabul, Afghanistan.”

Check out a few of the beautiful photos below.

Source: Skateistan, Buzzfeed