Arabic version: طالبان تدمر الآلات الموسيقية في هجوم ثقافي

The Taliban are burning musical instruments in the name of morality. This act represents a significant threat to Afghanistan’s rich cultural heritage, as hundreds of instruments, including tablas and harmoniums, were recently set ablaze on the outskirts of Herat, July 2023. According to The Guardian, this destruction is part of the Taliban’s broader effort to eradicate music from Afghan society.

Since their return to power in 2021, the Taliban have waged a war on music, claiming that it causes ‘moral corruption.’ Musicians in Afghanistan face severe repercussions for performing or even listening to music, living in fear of discrimination, humiliation, torture, imprisonment, sexual violence in the case of women, and even death. Reports indicate that the Taliban’s morality police are actively working to suppress the country’s musical traditions, which are integral to its cultural identity.

The Afghan women’s orchestra, Zohra, has relocated to Portugal, continuing to fight for the musical rights of Afghan artists. The Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM) supports not only its 300 members but also the preservation of Afghanistan’s musical culture, which is increasingly endangered under the Taliban’s regime. Their performances blend traditional Afghan instruments with Western orchestral music, showcasing the country’s diverse musical landscape.

As the Taliban’s campaign against music continues, the global community is urged to support Afghan musicians and keep their art alive. Listening to works by Afghan artists, such as rubab virtuosos and compositions dedicated to women’s struggles in Afghanistan, can help renew interest in a culture that is under threat. The international audience is called to engage with Afghan music, fostering a connection that transcends the oppressive actions of the Taliban.