Uzbek Text Restored on Samangan University Signboard

Recently, the former signboard at the Samangan University building was removed and replaced with a new one written in Pashto, Dari, and English—excluding the Uzbek language.

Recently, the former signboard at the Samangan University building was removed and replaced with a new one written in Pashto, Dari, and English—excluding the Uzbek language.

The move sparked strong reactions from Afghanistan’s Turkic communities, intellectuals, and civil society activists.

Cultural figures and social activists described the action as an act of national marginalization and ethnic discrimination, criticizing the authorities and demanding that the name “Samangan University” be reinstated in the Uzbek language.

University officials stated that the removal of the Uzbek text was carried out under instructions from the Ministry of Higher Education.

Following growing public backlash, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also addressed the issue, calling on the Taliban authorities to end restrictions against the Uzbek language in Afghanistan.

After mounting public pressure and international engagement, a new signboard was installed today at Samangan University, this time featuring Pashto, Dari, Uzbek, and English.

Meanwhile, observers emphasize that widespread restrictions imposed by the Taliban on Turkic languages—particularly Uzbek—are seriously hindering their development and public use.

In previous instances, Uzbek inscriptions were removed from several higher education institutions, only to be restored later following strong criticism.

Reporter: NOOR AHMAD YURTTASH.