The Taliban has introduced a new law that severely restricts poetry and literary gatherings in Afghanistan. The regulation, signed by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, forces poets to praise the leadership and censors creative expression, threatening one of the country’s oldest cultural traditions.
The 13-article law sets strict rules for poetry events, defining acceptable themes and creating oversight committees to review content. Under the new rules, poets cannot write about love, friendships between boys and girls, or praise individuals. Criticism of the Taliban’s supreme leader or Islamic rituals is also prohibited. Additionally, promoting ethnic or linguistic divisions or spreading what the Taliban considers “immoral customs” is forbidden.
Cultural experts warn that the law may erase Afghanistan’s rich literary heritage. Afghan poetry has historically been a vital means for expressing love, grief, and social truths. Many fear that under Taliban oversight, poetry will be reduced to political propaganda rather than authentic human expression.
A Kabul-based analyst described the new measures as marking “the end of free literary expression in Afghanistan.” Afghan poets now face restrictions that prevent them from exploring critical or emotional themes, effectively silencing diverse voices.
Exiled Afghan poets have voiced concerns that the law undermines the cultural significance of poetry. Literary gatherings, once spaces for reflection and dialogue, now face heavy monitoring and ideological control by the Taliban.
Observers also caution that this law could have long-term effects on Afghan culture. Poetry has been a key medium for preserving history, language, and social values. Limiting creative freedom under Taliban rules risks eroding a vital part of the nation’s identity and replacing it with ideologically driven content.
The law reflects the Taliban’s broader approach to controlling cultural and artistic expression, raising concerns about freedom of speech and the preservation of Afghanistan’s unique literary traditions.
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