The Taliban have demolished a monument dedicated to the renowned poet and statesman Alisher Navoi in Mazar-i-Sharif, according to Amu, citing local sources. The statue, located in Telecommunications Square, was originally erected about 17 years ago by the city administration.
The demolition has sparked outrage among teachers and politicians of Turkic origin, who condemned the move as an attempt to erase cultural heritage. They accused the Taliban of disregarding the spiritual values of ethnic communities and undermining Afghanistan’s cultural and historical identity.
The Taliban administration has not issued an official statement on the incident. Local reports suggest that the monument had previously suffered partial damage.
Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry quickly responded after the news broke. Ministry spokesperson Akhror Burkhanov confirmed that Tashkent had contacted Afghan officials for clarification.
“According to the information received, the monument to Alisher Navoi was dismantled by local authorities because the location of its installation did not correspond to the scale of the memory of the great thinker, and a more worthy complex is planned to be built,” the ministry said in a statement.
At the same time, the Afghan side expressed regret over the manner of the demolition, noting that the decision was not coordinated with the Ministry of Culture and Information or the broader public. Officials in Kabul reportedly assured Tashkent of their intention to honor Navoi’s legacy.
The Afghan authorities pledged to construct a new monument in memory of Navoi, restore records dedicated to his life and works, improve the surrounding area, and name the future square in his honor.
Alisher Navoi, a 15th-century poet, philosopher, and statesman, is regarded as one of the greatest figures in Turkic literature. He holds a revered place in the cultural history of both Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.
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