KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – On Sunday, October 20, a large number of residents in northern Faryab province gathered to celebrate National Uzbek Language Day, an event that highlighted growing concerns about linguistic discrimination under Taliban rule.
The celebration in the provincial capital Maymana brought together cultural activists, poets, and community members, including Salahuddin Ayoubi, a senior Taliban commander of Uzbek descent.
Ayoubi, who also serves as the Taliban’s police commander in Zabul, addressed attendees, stating, “God is the creator of every language and ethnicity, and anyone who seeks to harm a nation’s language or culture is challenging God.” He urged the Uzbek community to prioritize education as a vital means of preserving their language and cultural heritage.
National Uzbek Language Day was officially designated by the former Islamic Republic of Afghanistan just one year before the Taliban’s takeover. The Uzbek language, which is spoken across ten provinces, was recognized in Afghanistan’s Constitution as one of the country’s official languages. Previously, the government supported Uzbek-language programming on various television and radio channels.
Since the Taliban regained control, however, the observance of this important day has diminished and faced significant restrictions. The Taliban has been widely criticized for implementing discriminatory language policies, reportedly mandating that Uzbek and Turkish language professors translate international works into Pashto instead of promoting academic growth in their native languages.
The celebration in Faryab unfolded against a backdrop of tension, with many participants voicing concerns over the future of linguistic diversity in Afghanistan. The Taliban not only neglects to acknowledge National Uzbek Language Day but also actively boycotts public and student commemorative events.
This situation reflects broader restrictions imposed by the Taliban, particularly against ethnic minorities, fostering fears of cultural erosion and marginalization. The ongoing suppression of linguistic rights is part of a disturbing pattern of discrimination that threatens the rich tapestry of Afghanistan’s cultural heritage.
As the Uzbek community commemorates their language, they remain vigilant against the challenges posed by the current political climate, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy for their linguistic and cultural rights.
