In a recent enforcement of cultural norms, four Afghan men from Herat province were formally summoned by the Taliban’s Ministry of Vice and Virtue for adopting fashion styles inspired by the British television series ‘Peaky Blinders.’ The individuals, all in their early twenties from Jibrail town, were instructed to report to the moral authority’s provincial office following their public appearance in distinctive three-piece suits and flat caps reminiscent of the show’s early 20th century English gangster aesthetic.
Taliban spokesman Saiful Islam Khyber clarified to BBC that the men faced no formal arrest but underwent what officials termed a ‘rehabilitation program’ where they received counsel on adhering to local cultural values. ‘Their clothing lacked Afghan identity and conflicted with Islamic principles,’ Khyber stated, emphasizing that while Western attire like jeans might be tolerated, conscious imitation of foreign media characters crossed ideological boundaries.
The incident underscores the Taliban’s stringent enforcement of Sharia-based dress codes and cultural preservation policies since reclaiming power in 2021. Officials argued that the series’ values contradict Afghanistan’s religious and social norms, and citizens should instead emulate ‘righteous religious predecessors.’
In a video released by the ministry post-questioning, the men expressed remorse, with one acknowledging he ‘innocently shared content against Sharia.’ This contrasted with earlier statements recorded in November by Herat-Mic YouTube channel, where the group reported positive public reactions to their style, with locals requesting photos.
The episode highlights ongoing tensions between Taliban orthodoxy and globalized cultural influences, particularly affecting youth expression in urban centers like Herat.