'banned'

This project looks at the changing face of Afghanistan, a country ravaged by war for over two decades, by focussing on some of the many activities that were previously banned by the infamous Taliban regime. These include weather forecasting, bird keeping, women’s employment, kite flying and women’s education.

 During the five years they were in control of the country, the Taliban turned Afghanistan into the most extreme Islamic society on the planet. They implemented a catalogue of restrictions, enforcing them through the systematic use of punishment beatings, amputations and executions. The most basic of activities and services were banned - watching television, weather forecasts and even flying a kite.

Women suffered especially badly during this time. They were only allowed out when accompanied by a Mahram, a close male relative and were required to wear a Burkha, covering them from head to foot.