Afghan Caretaker Government to Rebuild Monument of Timurid Poet After its Destruction

DID Press: Following the destruction of Amir Ali-Shir Nava’i’s – a renowned poet and thinker of the Timurid era – monument in Mazar-i-Sharif city, Afghan Caretaker government pledged to construct a new statue.

The destruction, carried out by local Taliban officials, drew immediate diplomatic concern from Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is closely monitoring the situation. Uzbek officials confirmed the Taliban had committed to addressing the incident.

According to Ahror Burkhanov, spokesperson for Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the demolition occurred without coordination with Afghanistan’s Ministry of Information and Culture.
“A new monument is now planned, and one of Balkh city’s main intersections will be named after Nava’i to honor his legacy.”

Amir Ali-Shir Nava’i, a celebrated poet, writer, and politician of the Timurid era, remains a respected figure among Uzbeks in Afghanistan. The statue’s destruction has sparked cultural and diplomatic reactions, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical and cultural heritage.