Taliban declares August 18th public holiday for Afghanistan’s Independence Day

The Taliban’s Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has declared Sunday, August 18 (28 Asad), as a public holiday in Afghanistan, marking the country’s Independence Day.

The ministry announced that this day will commemorate the 105th anniversary of Afghanistan’s independence from British colonial rule and will be observed as a public holiday across the nation.

Earlier, the Taliban’s Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs also declared August 15 as a public holiday to mark the “Victory over the U.S. and its Allies.”

The Taliban celebrates Afghanistan’s Independence Day, but during their rule, there have been noticeable changes in how they regard Amanullah Khan, the king who secured Afghanistan’s independence from Britain.

During the presidency of Ashraf Ghani, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan celebrated Independence Day on August 18 with extensive praise for the achievements of Amanullah Khan. However, over the past three years, Taliban officials have openly criticized and denigrated his legacy.

In early July, Taliban forces defaced a picture of King Amanullah at the Torkham crossing by splashing paint on it. Later, on July 6, the group replaced his image with their flag at Torkham.

In December 2022, Taliban Minister of Higher Education Neda Mohammad Nadim stated that King Amanullah Khan brought a “culture of immorality and debauchery” from Western countries and attempted to impose it in Afghanistan.

Mr. Nadim further added that sending girls to school is a foreign concept, which was introduced to Afghanistan by King Amanullah and later by Zahir Shah.

This year’s Independence Day in Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, reflects a stark contrast from previous celebrations. The Taliban’s approach to Amanullah Khan’s legacy indicates a shift in the narrative surrounding Afghanistan’s independence, focusing more on their own ideological perspective.

As Afghanistan marks this historic day, the public holiday serves as a reminder of the country’s complex past and the ongoing struggle over its national identity. The Taliban’s reinterpretation of history continues to shape the way this day is commemorated across the nation.

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