What's happened
The historic Ariana Cinema in Kabul was torn down starting December 16, replaced by a shopping complex. The Taliban government, which seized power in 2021, ordered the closure of cinemas and the dissolution of the Afghan Film Administration, citing economic and ideological priorities. The cinema was a cultural landmark since 1963, symbolizing Afghanistan's modern history and resistance through decades of conflict.
What's behind the headline?
The demolition of the Ariana Cinema signifies a broader cultural and ideological shift under Taliban rule. While Afghanistan's economy is growing through construction, the loss of cultural landmarks like the cinema indicates a retreat from artistic expression and public gathering spaces. The Taliban's prioritization of commercial development over cultural preservation underscores their intent to reshape Afghan society along conservative lines. This move will likely deepen cultural repression and diminish Afghanistan's historical identity, further isolating the country from international cultural norms. The decision to replace the cinema with a shopping complex highlights the government's focus on revenue generation amid sanctions and aid restrictions, but at the cost of cultural heritage. The loss of such landmarks risks erasing a vital part of Afghanistan's modern history and resilience, impacting future generations' connection to their cultural roots.
What the papers say
AP News reports the demolition began on December 16, marking the end of a cultural icon that had stood since 1963. Afghan film director Amir Shah Talash expressed deep sadness, emphasizing the cinema's role in resisting hardship and fostering cultural identity. The New York Times highlights the Taliban's economic motivations, noting the new shopping complex replacing the cinema as part of a broader strategy to generate revenue amid sanctions. The Independent provides historical context, describing the cinema's significance during Afghanistan's modernization efforts and its destruction as a symbol of cultural regression under Taliban rule. While AP and The Independent focus on cultural loss, the NYT emphasizes economic and political priorities driving the demolition.
How we got here
The Ariana Cinema, opened in 1963, was a symbol of Afghanistan's cultural modernization. It survived multiple conflicts, including Soviet invasion, civil war, and Taliban rule, and was rebuilt in 2004 with international aid. Since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, cinemas have been shut down, and the Ariana remained closed except for propaganda films. Its demolition reflects the Taliban's strict restrictions on entertainment and their focus on economic development through commercial projects.
Go deeper
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The Taliban or Taleban, who refer to themselves as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, are a Sunni Islamic fundamentalist political movement and military organization in Afghanistan currently waging war within that country.
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Kabul is the capital and largest city of Afghanistan, located in the eastern section of the country. It is also a municipality, forming part of the greater Kabul Province, and divided into 22 districts.
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Ariana Cinema is a movie theater in Kabul, Afghanistan located near the Pashtunistan Square on the north side of the Kabul river bank.