Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have demolished the historic Ariana Cinema in central Kabul, clearing the site to build a new shopping centre.
The cinema, which opened in the 1960s, served generations of Afghans by screening Bollywood and Hollywood films. It survived decades of political upheaval and conflict. Demolition crews pulled down the structure on December 16, 2025.
Artists and cultural figures have strongly criticised the decision. Many argue that the move erases one of the last public symbols of Afghanistan’s film and entertainment heritage.
سینما آریانا؛ خاطره‌ای فرهنگی که به‌دست طالبان نابود شد
طالبان، سینمای تاریخی آریانا در کابل را ویران کردند. محلی که زمانی نماد حیات فرهنگی و خاطرۀ جمعی چند نسل شهروندان پایتخت بود. تخریب این سینما که پس از جنگ‌های داخلی به کمک فرانسه بازسازی شده بود، برای هنرمندان، معماران و… pic.twitter.com/vOZQDfLa1H
— ار.اف.ای / RFI فارسی (@RFI_Fa) December 26, 2025Speaking to The Associated Press, Afghan film director and producer Amir Shah Talash said the loss goes far beyond bricks and mortar. He explained that the cinema represented decades of artistic resistance by filmmakers and audiences who continued their work despite insecurity and hardship.
Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have imposed sweeping restrictions on art and entertainment. Authorities first ordered cinemas to shut down. The decision to demolish Ariana Cinema marks another step toward removing visible traces of the country’s cultural past.
سینما آریانا؛ پایان یک بنای فرهنگی دیگر
این مکان به‌منظور ساخت یک مارکیت تجاری تخریب شده‌است. دیدگاه‌های کاربران دو دسته اند، این تبصره‌ها در فضای مجازی را با بنفشه یعقوبی دنبال کنید: pic.twitter.com/uebp3aJKpJ
— افغانستان اینترنشنال (@AFIntlBrk) December 23, 2025Kabul Municipality spokesman Niamatullah Barakzai defended the move. He said the area had become fully commercial and offered strong potential for business activity. According to him, the project aims to generate revenue and support economic development.
Critics, however, say the destruction of Ariana Cinema reflects a wider pattern. They argue that economic arguments cannot justify the loss of historic and cultural landmarks that once shaped Afghanistan’s social life.
