In the aftermath of the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, Afghanistan has witnessed a series of stringent restrictions imposed by the extremist group. Among these prohibitions is a ban on public music performances, leading to distressing incidents such as the recent burning of musical instruments in Herat province.
Ahmad Sarmast, the founder of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music, expressed his condemnation of these measures, likening them to “cultural genocide and musical vandalism.” Dr. Sarmast, now based in Portugal, lamented the denial of artistic freedom to the people of Afghanistan under the Taliban’s rule.
The burning of musical instruments in Herat serves as a poignant example of the cultural destruction unfolding in Afghanistan. Reports indicate that confiscated musical items, including a guitar, harmonium, tabla, amplifiers, and speakers, were set ablaze in the city. The instruments had been seized from wedding venues, where they were previously used to bring joy and celebration to the people.
The Vice and Virtue Ministry, a body under the Taliban’s control, justified their actions by stating that playing music would lead the youth astray. This oppressive stance is reminiscent of the Taliban’s previous rule in Afghanistan during the mid-90s to 2001, where all forms of music were completely banned at social gatherings, on television, and radio.
The Taliban’s severe restrictions have disproportionately impacted women, who are now mandated to reveal only their eyes in their attire and require male accompaniment when traveling more than 72 km (45 miles).
Another disconcerting move by the Taliban has been the closure of beauty salons, following a ban announced for religious reasons. The Taliban-run Virtue and Vice Ministry cited concerns about wedding expenses and practices deemed forbidden in Islam, such as eyebrow shaping, hair augmentation using others’ hair, and applying makeup, which they believe interferes with the ablutions required before prayer.
These measures have sparked rare public opposition within Afghanistan, highlighting the increasing discord between the Taliban’s radical ideology and the aspirations of the Afghan people. The Taliban’s rule has resulted in stifling artistic expression, eroding cultural heritage, and imposing harsh restrictions on everyday life, particularly affecting women’s rights.
As the situation in Afghanistan continues to evolve under Taliban governance, concerns about preserving the nation’s cultural identity and upholding individual freedoms remain at the forefront of international discussions. The world watches with apprehension as Afghanistan faces an uncertain future, and the fight for human rights and artistic expression persists in the face of repression.