“When we said we were married, they asked us for proof” |
In May, the Taliban banned men and women from eating together in the western Afghan city of Herat
Maryam Hotek He likes to eat in restaurants in Kabul. Kabul is full of restaurants with delicious kebabs, buttery pilaf and manti, known as “manto”. In the city of 5 million people, both fast food chains and foreign and afghan there are expensive restaurants that represent the cuisine.
Unfortunately, many of these places are currently too expensive for most Afghans. The humanitarian and economic crisis that began after the Taliban took power is gradually deepening.
But there is another reason why Hotak no longer goes to restaurants with her husband. He says the constant intrusion of Taliban fanatics has driven them out of restaurants.
“Taliban militants come and interrogate you where you eat. They asked my husband who I am and why he brought me here. When we told them we were married, they asked us for proof.” – Hotek says. He says that after this unpleasant incident, he did not go out to eat.
“We are not alone. For this reason, many customers no longer go to restaurants. That’s why the restaurants look empty.” – Hotek told “Radio Azadi”.
Idris (name withheld), a manager of an expensive restaurant in Kabul, says that his place has lost customers in a short period of time due to these Taliban intrusions.
“When they see couples sitting together, they approach and ask about their relationship,” – he says. Idris is convinced that his customers stay away from restaurants because they fear the Taliban.
“People would come with their families. Men would bring their fiancees. But now the Taliban are coming and asking them why they are sitting together. That’s why people stay away from restaurants. This has destroyed our business.” – he says.
Gender segregation is a key pillar of the Taliban’s policy, which seized power in August 2021. The ultra-conservative Islamist group has banned teenage girls from attending high school, and universities have segregated classrooms for girls and boys. The Taliban try to prevent women from working and playing any prominent role in public life. Taliban officials attacked and detained female activists and journalists. Women’s jobs have been closed or economically destroyed.
In May, the Taliban banned men and women from eating together in the western Afghan city of Herat.
Restaurants in Herat have been verbally warned that couples cannot eat together “even if they are husband and wife”. This was said by a Taliban official sitting in the Ministry of Promotion of Spirituality and Prevention of Evil in Herat Riazullah Sirat He told “AFP”.
Spokesman of the same ministry in Kabul Mohammad Sadiq Akif Mohajir He denied what was said about Taliban members interrogating couples inside restaurants.
“There is nothing in our principles that involves questioning people inside restaurants. Such claims are nothing but propaganda.” – he said.
The Taliban, who are serious about control and discipline in their ranks, have yet to intervene because none of their followers are eating food. imprisonment did not.
Although most Afghans prefer to eat at home, the end 20 restaurant business in the country has developed significantly. Especially in Kabul and other cities food business has grown rapidly. Going to trendy dining spots is very popular with couples and families.
in Kabul Mohammad Khan The restaurant owner says that his business is slowly dying. According to him, the restaurant Taliban bans and increased food prices is losing customers in the background. On most days of the week, Khan says very few customers come to his restaurant.
“We sit here idle from morning to evening. “Trade is almost down to zero.” – he says.