The monument to Alisher Navoi in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, was completely destroyed by local authorities. This was reported by the local publication Amu.tv.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan reacted to this situation.
"As soon as it became known about the demolition of the monument to the great poet and thinker Alisher Navoi in Mazar-i-Sharif, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan promptly contacted representatives of the Afghan government to obtain official comments on this issue.
According to the information received, the monument was removed by the local authorities due to the fact that the place where the monument to Alisher Navoi is installed is not sufficiently worthy of the memory of the great scientist, and it is necessary to build a more beautiful complex for the poet and thinker. At the same time, it was emphasized that these demolitions were not coordinated with the Ministry of Culture and Information of Afghanistan and the general public, and the Afghan", side expressed regret over the situation.
It is noted that representatives of the Afghan government, expressing their commitment to preserving the memory of Navoi and honoring his name, promised to erect a special monument in honor of the thinker.
In 2023, another monument dedicated to Navoi was also demolished. At that time, this situation was assessed as a result of the arbitrary actions of unknown individuals, causing damage to the common historical and cultural heritage. Representatives of Afghanistan stated that they would take measures to restore the monuments and treat our common heritage with respect.