Taliban Suspends Chess in Afghanistan Citing Islamic Law Concerns
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Taliban suspends chess in Afghanistan |
| Date | May 12, 2025 |
| Announced by | Atal Mashwani, Taliban sports directorate spokesperson |
| Reason | Concerns over compatibility with Islamic law (Sharia) |
| Status | Temporary suspension pending religious review |
| Regime Context | Taliban regained power in August 2021 |
| Previous Bans | MMA competitions, women's sports, and various cultural activities |
| Religious Grounds | Chess is seen as encouraging gambling, forbidden in Islam |
| Local Impact | - Kabul cafes stop hosting chess gatherings |
| - Affects mental well-being and business operations | |
| International Reactions | Criticized by human rights groups and sports bodies |
| Global Context | Chess is widely accepted in other Muslim-majority countries like Iran, Egypt, and Indonesia |
| Significance | Reflects Taliban's strict control on public behavior and diminishing space for intellectual and recreational activities |