The Afghan Islamist government is trying to end the circulation of all literature “non-Islamic” and anti-government in the country with inspections, withdrawals of books from libraries and bookstores or lists of prohibited titles.
The campaign is led by a commission created by the Ministry of Information and Culture shortly after the Taliban return to power in 2021 and the implementation of their strict interpretation of the Islamic law or sharia.
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In October, the ministry announced that the commission had identified 400 books “that conflicted with the Islamic and Afghan valuesmost of them found in markets.”
The department in charge of publishing distributed copies of the Koran and other Islamic texts to replace the seized bookshe stated in a statement.
The ministry did not provide data on the number of copies withdrawn, but two sources (an editor in Kabul and a government employee) explain that they seized texts in the first year of Taliban power and again in recent months.
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“There is a lot of censorship. It is very difficult to work and fear has spread everywhere,” says the editor of Kabul.
It is not something completely new. The previous government supported by the Westerners who were thrown out by the Taliban already restricted some texts.
But “there was no fear, you could say whatever you wanted,” says the editor. “Regardless of whether or not we could change something, we could raise our voices“he adds.
The French news agency has in its possession a list of five of the banned books from an official at the Ministry of Information.
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In it appears Jesus, the Son of Man by the famous Lebanese-American author Khalil Gibran for containing “blasphemous expressions” or the novel The case of the Gods of the Steppe from Albanian Ismaíl Kadaré.
Afghanistan and the Region: A West Asian Perspective of Mirwais Balkhi, minister of Education of the previous government, is also vetoed for “negative propaganda.”
In the previous Taliban mandate between 1996 y 2001there were comparatively few publishers and bookstores in Kabul because the country had been devastated by decades of war.
But today, thousands of books are imported from the neighbor every week Iranwith whom he shares the Persian language, due to the passage of Islamic Fort in the western province of Herat.
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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
- They have not banned books from a specific country or person, but we analyze and block those that are contrary to religion, sharia or the government, or if they have photographs of living beings, according to Mohamad Sediq Khademiofficial of the department of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Herat.
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What are the long-term effects of the Taliban’s censorship on literature and culture in Afghanistan?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Amina Zahir, Expert on Afghanistan’s Cultural Policies
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Zahir. Thank you for joining us to discuss the recent developments in Afghanistan regarding the government’s crackdown on literature deemed “non-Islamic” or anti-government. Can you explain the origins of this censorship campaign?
Dr. Amina Zahir: Thank you for having me. The campaign against literature began shortly after the Taliban regained power in August 2021. The Ministry of Information and Culture formed a commission specifically tasked with enforcing a strict interpretation of Sharia law, which they assert is necessary for preserving “Islamic and Afghan values”. This has resulted in the identification and removal of numerous books from libraries and markets across the country.
Time.news Editor: The ministry announced that they’ve identified over 400 books that conflict with these values. How are they determining which books to target?
Dr. Amina Zahir: The criteria for identifying these books seem to be subjective and based on interpretation of Islamic teachings. Many titles are selected for their perceived challenges to the government’s ideological stance. For instance, works like Khalil Gibran’s Jesus, the Son of Man have been labeled as “blasphemous”. This reflects not only a campaign of censorship but also an effort to align public thought with their interpretation of Islam.
Time.news Editor: What are the implications for writers, editors, and the overall literary community in Afghanistan?
Dr. Amina Zahir: The implications are profound. The fear of inspection and seizure has created a climate of self-censorship. As one editor from Kabul pointed out, it’s increasingly difficult to work in such an environment. While censorship isn’t entirely new to Afghanistan—the previous Western-backed government had its own restrictions—there’s a marked increase in fear now. The drastic reduction in freedom of expression means that many writers may choose to remain silent rather than risk persecution.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned that the ministry has provided copies of the Quran and other Islamic texts to replace the seized books. What does this say about their priorities?
Dr. Amina Zahir: This action underscores their desire to reinforce their version of Islam as the dominant narrative. By replacing diverse literature with strictly Islamic texts, they are effectively erasing the rich tapestry of Afghanistan’s cultural and literary history. This decision not only limits access to multiple perspectives but also stifles creativity and critical thought, essential components of a vibrant cultural community.
Time.news Editor: Critics argue that this kind of stringent censorship has historical precedents but also devastating consequences. How does this situation compare with past regimes in Afghanistan?
Dr. Amina Zahir: Historically, various regimes in Afghanistan have imposed limitations on free speech, but the sheer scale and the ideological fervor of the current Taliban regime’s censorship is particularly alarming. Previously, while there might have been restrictions, there was still room for dissent and dialog. Now, people are silenced not just from platforms but even in private conversations due to the pervasive fear of repercussions.
Time.news Editor: What can the international community do to support Afghan writers and the broader cultural landscape under these pressing circumstances?
Dr. Amina Zahir: The international community can amplify the voices of Afghan writers by promoting their works and supporting independent publishing efforts that operate in exile. Additionally, maintaining pressure on the Taliban through diplomatic channels and public platforms can help shed light on these human rights abuses. It’s crucial to support cultural preservation initiatives that document and protect Afghan cultural heritage amidst this oppressive backdrop.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Zahir, for your insights into this critical issue. It’s clear that the fight for freedom of expression in Afghanistan is far from over, and the implications are monumental, not just for the country, but for global cultural dialog.
Dr. Amina Zahir: Thank you for highlighting this important topic. The struggle for cultural expression will remain vital as we look towards a more inclusive future.