Taliban Removes Uzbek Language from Sheberghan City Sign, Sparking Debate in Northern Afghanistan

Taliban Removes Uzbek Language from Sheberghan City Sign, Sparking Debate in Northern Afghanistan
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Local sources in Jowzjan Province report that authorities affiliated with the Taliban have removed the Uzbek language from a sign marking the entrance to the city of Sheberghan, prompting criticism and debate among residents.

According to the sources, the change is part of what some observers describe as a broader effort by local authorities to reduce the presence of the Uzbek language in several official locations and public symbols across the province. Jowzjan is home to a large population of ethnic Uzbeks, and Uzbek is widely spoken in daily life alongside Persian language.

The removal of the language from the city’s entrance sign has drawn criticism from activists and local observers, who say the move does not reflect Afghanistan’s linguistic and cultural diversity. The country is home to multiple ethnic and linguistic communities, many of which use regional languages in public life.

Critics argue that reducing the visibility of local languages in official signage and public symbols could deepen social divisions and undermine the cultural rights of minority communities.

Authorities affiliated with the Taliban have not yet issued an official statement explaining the decision. Previous reports have suggested that some restrictions have been placed on the use of certain local languages in institutions administered by the movement in different parts of Afghanistan.