Afghanistan Dismantles Navoi Statue, Plans New Memorial Amid Uzbek Backlash

The Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have dismantled the statue of renowned Timurid-era poet and thinker Alisher Navoi in Mazar-i-Sharif, according to a report by Amu. Local sources told the outlet that the monument, located in the telecommunications square of the city’s third district, was completely removed. The decision has drawn criticism from Uzbek cultural figures and officials, who argue that the Taliban are disregarding the spiritual heritage of other peoples and eroding the region’s historical and cultural uniqueness. In response, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through spokesperson Ahror Burhonov, sought clarification on August 21. “As soon as we learned that the monument to the great poet and thinker Alisher Navoi in Mazar-i-Sharif had been dismantled, Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry immediately contacted representatives of the Afghan authorities to obtain an official explanation,” Burhonov said. Initial explanations from Afghan officials claimed the statue’s location was not dignified enough to properly honor Navoi. They announced plans to construct a new memorial complex, which would include a new statue, restored inscriptions on Navoi’s life and work, and the renaming of the square in his honor. Burhonov added that Afghan authorities had expressed regret over the statue’s removal without prior consultation with the Ministry of Culture or the public. He emphasized that the Afghan side reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Navoi’s legacy and pledged to take appropriate measures to commemorate him respectfully. Alisher Navoi (1441-1501), born in Herat, modern-day Afghanistan, is widely recognized as the father of early Turkic literature. He remains a powerful cultural symbol for Uzbeks and other peoples across Central Asia. The statue had stood in Mazar-i-Sharif for approximately 17 years. It was previously damaged before its complete removal. As reported by Dunyo, Afghan officials reiterated that the statue’s location was unsuitable and reaffirmed plans to establish a larger and more dignified memorial site. The new monument is expected to include multilingual plaques in Uzbek, English, Dari, and Pashto, recounting Navoi’s life and contributions. At a public event on August 21 attended by local officials, diplomats, and journalists, Mazar-i-Sharif Mayor Abdurahman Himmat said that Afghans deeply respect Navoi’s legacy. “We will turn this monument into a worthy place of remembrance for both local residents and foreign visitors,” he stated. Himmat noted that around 40 projects are currently planned in the city, including restoration efforts for monuments dedicated to cultural icons such as Navoi, Magtymguly Pyragy, and 13th-century poet Jalal ad-Din Rumi. He also highlighted the construction of the Imam al-Bukhari madrasah, supported by Uzbekistan, as a symbol of close bilateral ties. The project was first announced by Uzbekistan last year. Jafar Fattayev, head of the Uzbek Council in Mazar-i-Sharif, welcomed the Afghan initiative, calling it a gesture of respect for Navoi and Uzbek cultural heritage.

Tashkent Supermarket Expands to Manhattan, Bringing Central Asian Flavors and Culture to the West Village

After years of the iconic Brighton Beach grocery store and its ever-fresh hot bar, Tashkent Supermarket announced it would open its first Manhattan location in 2022, spurring excitement and anticipation in the West Village. 378 Sixth Avenue is now home to an intoxicating array of fresh Central Asian foods, imported products, and friendly faces sharing incredible cultures. TCA went to the new Manhattan branch to talk to patrons about their thoughts on the new location, how the food tastes, and their knowledge of Uzbekistan and Central Asia. We first spoke with Margarita, an ethnic Russian who has lived in New York for the past three years. Before moving to New York, she lived in Tashkent for 16 years. [caption id="attachment_29912" align="aligncenter" width="936"] Located right at the West 4th Street-Washington Square subway stop, Tashkent Supermarket sees a lot of foot traffic[/caption] “I’ve been to this location a few times already; it’s good but not quite as big as the flagship store in Brighton,” she told me. “I go for the imported Russian food; their grechka (buckwheat) is the best, and their hot bar tastes exactly like the food I miss from Uzbekistan. I go to their stores thrice a week, and importantly, the prices are very competitive for New York, especially meat and produce.” Among the American produce and packaged products, Armenian juices, Russian cookies, and Uzbek seasonings line the shelves. Unfamiliar patrons pick up and inspect foreign products and inspect them. Two girls, who admitted they didn't know much about Uzbekistan or Central Asia, peered through the store's window, watching people place syrniki (cottage cheese pancakes) into plastic containers. "These pancakes really caught my eye," one said. "I've tried Afghan food before, but never Uzbek or other Central Asian cuisine. This supermarket in my neighborhood will help expand my palate and let me try new things." [caption id="attachment_29913" align="aligncenter" width="936"] Hot bar food includes fresh salads, chubereki, samsa, manty, and pastries[/caption] Ilona, a native of Vilnius, Lithuania, has lived in New York for over 25 years, and her whole family loves Tashkent Supermarket. “It is a slice of home in New York, and they have a great selection of products from the former Soviet Union. It is the only place in the city where I can find the ingredients I need to make my favorite food. Parsley root, dill, and other herbs are my main purchases here. I love this store and its community so much.” Aizhan, an ESL teacher from Almaty, has lived in New York for nine years. “It is my first time at the Manhattan location. It is excellent, and the prices are very reasonable. They are my go-to for catering orders, and everyone is always happy with the quality and taste of the food. They do a phenomenal job making [Central Asian] food. I have not been back [to Kazakhstan] in years, but coming to Tashkent Supermarket makes me feel like I have transported myself back to Almaty.” Michele, a New York native, traveled to Uzbekistan,...