The Taliban-run municipality in Kabul has demolished the iconic Cinema Ariana to make way for a new shopping center.
For decades, the cinema stood as a cultural landmark in the capital, hosting film lovers and serving as a vibrant hub for the arts and public entertainment.
The destruction of the historic building has drawn sharp criticism from artists and cultural activists. They argue that erasing such heritage sites for commercial gain is an attack on Kabul’s urban identity and collective memory, reflecting a disregard for the country’s artistic history.
Cinema Ariana was once a symbol of modernity and joy, screening Afghan and international films. Its replacement by a commercial complex marks the end of an era, leaving many citizens mourning the loss of a cherished space that represented the golden days of Afghan cinema.
