On February 10, 2020, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan designated October 20th as National Uzbek Language Day and included it in the country’s official calendar. Since then, this day has been annually celebrated in Afghanistan as National Uzbek Language Day.
The Supreme National Resistance Council for the Salvation of Afghanistan extends warm congratulations to all the devout people of Afghanistan, especially Uzbek language speakers and admirers of Uzbek culture and literature, on the occasion of National Uzbek Language Day.
The Uzbek language is one of the fundamental pillars of national and cultural identity and reflects the ancient civilization of Uzbek-speaking people. The existence of the Uzbek language has added to the diversity and beauty of Afghanistan’s culture. After 2001, media outlets in Afghanistan began broadcasting extensively in the Uzbek language, and some lessons were taught in Uzbek in certain universities, schools, and educational centers.
However, unfortunately, with the surrender of power to a group of ignorance, opposed to literature and culture, many of these media outlets and educational centers have been shut down. The Taliban’s monopolistic policies have not only denied the country’s ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity but have also sought to eliminate languages and cultural symbols.
Therefore, it is the duty of all of us to preserve this valuable language, which, alongside other languages spoken in the country, is one of the rich languages of knowledge, culture, and literature. We must protect and expand it, ensuring this precious cultural and literary heritage is passed on to future generations.
The Supreme National Resistance Council for the Salvation of Afghanistan once again congratulates all the people of Afghanistan on National Uzbek Language Day, hoping that this auspicious day strengthens cultural ties, solidifies unity, and elevates national pride.