In a sweeping move to align Afghanistan’s literature with their strict interpretation of Islamic law, Taliban authorities have launched a campaign to remove what they describe as “un-Islamic” and anti-government books from circulation. Their efforts include inspecting imported books, purging library collections, and issuing lists of banned titles.
A Commission to Oversee Censorship
This initiative is spearheaded by a commission established under the Ministry of Information and Culture shortly after the Taliban regained control in 2021. According to the ministry, the commission has so far identified 400 titles deemed incompatible with Islamic and Afghan values. In an October statement, the ministry confirmed that many of these books had already been seized from marketplaces.
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To fill the void left by the confiscated literature, authorities have distributed copies of the Quran and other Islamic texts. However, the ministry has not disclosed the exact number of books removed.
Sources within the publishing industry and government suggest that the purge began immediately after the Taliban’s return to power and has intensified in recent months. “Censorship is widespread, making it increasingly difficult to operate in the industry,” said a Kabul-based publisher, who also noted that fear now permeates the literary scene.
Examples of Banned Works
Among the banned titles are several internationally renowned works. Khalil Gibran’s Jesus the Son of Man was flagged for “blasphemous expressions,” while Ismail Kadare’s Twilight of the Eastern Gods was rejected for its “countercultural” themes. A more local example is Afghanistan and the Region: A West Asian Perspective by Mirwais Balkhi, a former education minister, which was banned for alleged “negative propaganda.”
These restrictions echo policies from the Taliban’s previous regime (1996-2001), during which the publishing sector was severely limited. However, Afghanistan’s current book trade is more vibrant, with thousands of books imported weekly, particularly from Iran, a neighboring country that shares the Persian language.
Scrutiny of Imported Literature
At the Islam Qala border crossing in western Herat, customs officials meticulously inspect incoming shipments of books. An official from the Department for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice explained their criteria: “Books contradicting religion, sharia, or government policies, or those containing images of living beings, are not permitted.”
A recent shipment was found to contain 28 cartons of books that did not meet these criteria. Importers are advised to avoid specific titles, but when unsuitable books are found, they are either returned or confiscated.
Uneven Enforcement
Despite these measures, enforcement appears inconsistent. In Herat and Kabul, some banned books remain available in libraries and bookshops. For instance, works like The History of Jihadi Groups in Afghanistan by Yaqub Mashauf have been removed in some locations but can still be found in others.
In Takhar province, booksellers reported receiving the official list of 400 banned titles. Yet, non-Afghan works, such as translations of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s The Gambler and Sue Lynn Tan’s Daughter of the Moon Goddess, continue to circulate, albeit at discounted prices as sellers attempt to clear stock.
A Climate of Fear
The censorship drive has created an atmosphere of uncertainty among publishers, booksellers, and readers. While restrictions on literature are not new in Afghanistan, critics argue that the current environment stifles intellectual freedom to an unprecedented degree.
Under the previous, foreign-backed government, challenges to the publishing industry also existed, such as corruption and bureaucratic hurdles. However, the relative freedom of expression allowed for open debates and discussions. Back then, we could at least raise our voices, even if no change came from it,” a publisher remarked.
Conclusion
The Taliban’s actions to censor literature represent a broader effort to reshape Afghanistan’s cultural and intellectual landscape in accordance with their ideology. As the list of banned books grows, so does concern over the future of freedom of expression in the country.