On January 15, 2023, the Taliban issued an official decree imposing severe restrictions on poetry in Afghanistan. The Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice declared that composing poetry in musical styles was forbidden. Prior to this, all forms of art had already been banned under Taliban rule.
Since the Taliban’s return to power, widespread restrictions have been imposed on the lives of Afghan citizens. Among those most affected are women and artists. Women have lost their fundamental human rights, and artists have been completely prohibited from engaging in any form of artistic activity.
The erasure of artistic works from public spaces, the ban on music, the closure of art galleries—including the historic Behzad Gallery in Herat—the imprisonment of poets and writers, the beating of publishers and librarians, the confiscation and burning of hundreds of books and musical instruments, and the prohibition of books authored by women are just a few examples of the systematic censorship and suppression of Afghanistan’s literary and artistic communities over the past three years.
In response to the ban on poetry in Afghanistan, "Baamdaad – House of Poetry in Exile" was founded by Somaia Ramish, a poet, writer, and human rights activist. This protest movement was established as a means of resisting censorship and repression, and for the second consecutive year, it has continued to expand its activities on a global scale.
Below is a report on the activities of "Baamdaad – House of Poetry in Exile" in 2024:
Publication of the third global poetry anthology titled "No Jail Can Confine Your Poems" in Dutch, in the Netherlands. The French and Japanese versions of this anthology had been published earlier.
Publication of the second edition and reprint of the global poetry anthology "No Jail Can Confine Your Poems" in Japan. Notably, the first edition of this collection was among the bestselling poetry books in Japan.
Detailed reporting on book censorship, confiscation, and destruction by the Taliban.
Condemnation of Taliban actions and calls on literary institutions, international PEN organizations, and cultural activists to support Afghan artists and stand in solidarity against repression.
Launch of the movement "Artists Against Gender Apartheid" in the Netherlands, advocating for Afghan women and protesting gender-based apartheid, violence, and the silencing of women's voices.
Advocacy for imprisoned Afghan writers and cultural activists, including sending letters to international PEN organizations and officially condemning Taliban crimes.
Hosting a global online poetry night in protest against censorship in Afghanistan, in collaboration with PEN France. During this event, poets from around the world read poetry from dusk until dawn to voice their resistance against censorship and artistic repression.
Other Activities of "Baamdaad – House of Poetry in Exile":
Publication of analytical and news articles about Baamdaad’s activities in various countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, Morocco, and Japan.
Organizing protest gatherings worldwide in support of Afghan poets, in coordination with Baamdaad.
Television, radio, and newspaper interviews with international media outlets to amplify the voices of Afghan women and artists.
Active participation of Baamdaad members in global platforms, literary and cultural festivals, international conferences, and poetry readings, along with presenting articles, speeches, and panel discussions on the prohibition of poetry and art in Afghanistan.
We must Point out that, All activities of "Baamdaad – House of Poetry in Exile" have been carried out voluntarily, with the collaboration of poets, writers, and literary and cultural organizations. To date, Baamdaad has not received any financial support from individuals or institutions.
We sincerely thank all the poets, writers, and activists who have voluntarily joined us in this protest movement. Your support and solidarity inspire us to continue this vital mission.
We stand for freedom, equal human rights, and resistance against oppression, repression, and censorship.Join us in this fight!
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