Taliban Bans Chess in Afghanistan Over Gambling Concerns
Afghanistan's Taliban government has prohibited the playing of chess nationwide. The Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice announced the ban, stating that the game often involves gambling, which is forbidden under their interpretation of Islamic law. This move adds to a list of recreational activities restricted by the Taliban since their return to power.
Unpacked:
The Taliban government banned chess because they believe the game often involves gambling, which is prohibited under their interpretation of Islamic law. They view chess as a potential means of gambling and have suspended it until religious authorities review its compatibility with Islamic principles.
The ban has disrupted social hubs, such as cafés in Kabul, where chess was a rare recreational activity. It affects business owners and the mental well-being of young people who used chess as a pastime, especially since recreational options are limited under the Taliban regime.
Since regaining power in August 2021, the Taliban has imposed strict laws limiting cultural and recreational activities including music, cinema, mixed martial arts, and now chess. These restrictions reflect their austere interpretation of Islamic law and have drawn international condemnation for being regressive and discriminatory, especially against women.
The ban is currently indefinite and will remain until religious authorities conduct a review to determine if chess aligns with Islamic principles. No specific timeline or criteria for reinstating the game have been announced, and the Afghanistan Chess Federation has been dissolved by the Ministry responsible.