In the bustling streets of Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, shop windows are adorned with dazzling ball gowns and three-piece wedding suits. However, there is a peculiar sight that catches the eye of passersby – the faces of each mannequin are covered. This unusual display is a result of the Taliban’s strict enforcement of Islamic law, which includes a ban on depicting human faces.
According to a clothes seller in Kabul, the morality police have instructed stores to hide the faces of mannequins and even photographs of models. While this may make the display „a bit ugly,“ as mentioned by a 22-year-old salesman, it does not seem to affect sales. The Taliban’s return to power in August 2021 brought with it a wave of restrictions, including the prohibition of any form of imagery that depicts human faces.
Women’s evening dresses in vibrant colors and intricate designs line the shop windows, some with revealing necklines and sparkling embellishments. These dresses are meant to be worn in private settings, such as gender-segregated weddings or engagement parties. However, the heads of the mannequins showcasing these dresses are covered with plastic, foil, or black bags, in adherence to the Taliban’s edict.
In addition to modern attire, traditional Afghan wedding dresses with elaborate embroidery and full-bodied skirts are also on display. The Taliban government has mandated that women cover themselves completely in public, leading to a shift in the way women dress and present themselves in public spaces. Women in Kabul’s shopping district can be seen wearing abaya robes and covering their faces with medical masks, conforming to the new regulations imposed by the Taliban.
The enforcement of the ban on depicting human faces has led to drastic measures in some regions. In Herat, religious police resorted to decapitating mannequins by cutting off their heads. This rule is now enforced nationwide by teams from the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, who visit stores in Kabul regularly. Mannequins in a multistory shopping center in Kabul now have their heads covered with plastic bags or foil to comply with the regulations.
Despite the eerie sight of headless mannequins, customers and sellers in Kabul seem unfazed. The tough economic climate and restrictions on women’s education and work are seen as more pressing issues by many. As one shopkeeper noted, „This is not very important for Afghan people. We make do with it.“ The resilience of the Afghan people in the face of adversity is evident as they navigate through the challenges imposed by the Taliban’s strict interpretation of Islamic law.
In conclusion, the sight of covered mannequins in Kabul’s shop windows serves as a stark reminder of the cultural and social changes brought about by the Taliban’s rule. While the ban on depicting human faces may seem trivial to some, it is a symbol of the larger restrictions and challenges faced by the people of Afghanistan. As they adapt to the new norms and regulations, the Afghan people continue to find ways to persevere and make the best of their circumstances.