Uzbekistan seeks clarification from Taliban over demolition of Navoi statue

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan has requested an official explanation from the Taliban interim government after the statue of Alisher Navoi, the renowned poet and thinker of the Timurid era, was demolished in the Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif. The ministry’s press secretary, Ahror Burkhanov, reported the development.

According to information received, local authorities removed the monument, claiming the location where it stood was not suitable to honor the memory of the great scholar. They stated that a new and more beautiful complex should be built in his name. However, the demolition was not coordinated with Afghanistan’s Ministry of Culture and Information or the general public, and Afghan representatives expressed regret over the incident.

The Taliban interim government assured Uzbekistan that Alisher Navoi’s legacy, considered significant not only for Uzbekistan but also for Afghanistan, will be honored appropriately. They pledged to erect a new monument and ensure his memory is preserved in a dignified manner.

“In particular, Afghan representatives stated that the territory will be renovated, inscriptions detailing the poet’s life and creative heritage will be restored, a new monument will be built in line with current plans, and the area will be named after Alisher Navoi. They emphasized their commitment to safeguarding the memory of this great thinker, whose contribution is of value to the entire region,” the statement noted.

The demolished monument had been erected 17 years ago by the Mazar-i-Sharif city administration to commemorate Navoi’s legacy.

It is worth noting that in February 2023, another statue of Alisher Navoi in Mazar-i-Sharif was also destroyed. At the time, Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry described the act as “vandalism,” citing Afghan representatives who claimed the statue had been destroyed by unidentified individuals.