Background on the Taliban and their Influence in Afghanistan
The Taliban, an Islamic fundamentalist political group in Afghanistan, regained control of the country following the withdrawal of U.S. forces in 2021. Known for their strict interpretation of Sharia law, the Taliban has implemented a series of restrictions affecting various aspects of daily life in Afghanistan.
The Recent Ban on Chess
On Sunday, the Taliban government added chess to its list of prohibited activities, deeming it a form of gambling that violates the recently passed Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (PVPV) law, according to a statement from AFP.
The Taliban has banned chess in Afghanistan, deeming it a form of gambling that violates their strict interpretation of Islamic law.
https://t.co/X5lQ0v1y6Z— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) January 30, 2023
Impact on the Chess Community
Azizullah Gulzada, a 46-year-old café owner in Kabul where customers have practiced chess, stated he would enforce the ban but found the religious arguments unconvincing. He noted that many international-level players come from Muslim countries and that previously, young Afghans would gather daily to play without engaging in gambling.
Previous Restrictions Imposed by the Taliban
Since regaining power, the Taliban has progressively enforced their ultra-conservative vision of Islam, banning certain activities and sports. In 2024, mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions were outlawed due to their perceived violence, while cricket remains popular but is now restricted to male participants only.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the reason behind the Taliban’s ban on chess? The Taliban considers chess a form of gambling, which violates their Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (PVPV) law.
- Who is Azizullah Gulzada and what is his role in this situation? Azizullah Gulzada is a 46-year-old café owner in Kabul where chess has been practiced. He acknowledges the ban but remains unconvinced by the religious justifications.
- What other sports or activities have been restricted by the Taliban? Besides chess, mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions were banned in 2024 for being too violent. Cricket remains popular but is now restricted to male participants only.
