Archive · 22 Jan 2026
Afghan Resistance Museum Revamped Under Taliban Rule
There's a museum in Afghanistan called the Jihad Museum that celebrates the resistance against the Soviet forces.
A man named Saaduddeen, who fought in that war, still visits the museum.
However, the Taliban, who now rule Afghanistan, have made some changes to the museum.
They've removed the faces from the statues inside because their rules say you can't show pictures or statues of living things.
The museum used to have a hall of famous fighters, but that's been taken down.
Families can't visit together because women aren't allowed inside.
Despite these changes, Saaduddeen is glad the museum still exists to remember their history.
The Jihad Museum in Herat, Afghanistan, celebrates the resistance against Soviet forces.
The Taliban have removed faces from figurines and covered animal heads due to their strict interpretation of Islamic law.
A hall of famous mujahideen commanders has been removed from the museum.
Women are generally not allowed to enter the museum, preventing family visits.
Saaduddeen, a former resistance fighter, still visits the museum and appreciates its existence despite the changes.
- Who
- Saaduddeen, a former Afghan resistance fighter, and the Taliban authorities
- What
- The Jihad Museum in Herat, Afghanistan, has been modified under Taliban rule
- When
- The museum opened in 2010; changes occurred under Taliban rule since 2021
- Where
- Herat, western Afghanistan
- Why
- The Taliban have banned depictions of living things under their strict interpretation of Islamic law
- Location
- Herat, western Afghanistan
- Original Opening Year
- 2010
- Soviet Occupation Duration
- 1979-1989
- Afghan Casualties
- Over 1 million
- Soviet Casualties
- 15,000
- Museum Changes
- Faces removed from figurines, animal heads covered
- Current Taliban Rule
- Since 2021