The Taliban's religious police reportedly conducted a distressing act in the western province of Herat, as disclosed in a Sunday report by the state-run news agency Bakhtar.
According to the report, Sheikh Aziz al-Rahman al-Muhajir, the provincial head of the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, justified the burning of musical instruments, claiming that music leads to the "misguidance of the youth and the destruction of society."
The official argued that exposure to music could corrupt individuals. This recent incident echoes the Taliban's previous ban on nonreligious music during its previous rule in the 1990s.
Images captured the sight of officials surrounding a fire where musical instruments, including guitars, harmoniums, and speakers, were consumed by the flames.
Afghanistan possesses a rich musical heritage, influenced by Iranian and Indian classical music. Over the years, the country's music scene thrived, incorporating electronic instruments and dance beats alongside traditional rhythms.
In the past two decades, both traditional and pop music flourished, but this vibrant cultural expression faced severe challenges after the Taliban's rise to power in 2021, following the withdrawal of US and NATO forces.
Since assuming control of Afghanistan, the Taliban has imposed stringent measures, resulting in adverse consequences for artistic pursuits.
The Afghanistan National Institute of Music, once renowned for its inclusiveness, has witnessed disruption as students and teachers have refrained from returning to classes post the Taliban's takeover.
Additionally, numerous musicians have been compelled to flee the country in the face of these oppressive circumstances.
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