Vintage Kabul Cinema Crushed Under New Mall Project

From a Golden Era to a Silent Shell

The Ariana Cinema once stood as a gleaming symbol of Kabul’s cosmopolitan 1960s, when the city’s streets buzzed with the latest foreign films, jazz music, and a vibrant social scene. Built in the heart of the capital, the theater hosted premieres, cultural festivals, and evening gatherings that brought together people from all walks of life.

The Taliban’s Shadow

When the Taliban seized power in the late 1990s, they ordered the immediate closure of all cinemas, deeming movies “un-Islamic.” The Ariana’s neon lights were switched off, its seats left to gather dust, but the building itself remained standing—an eerie reminder of a bygone era.

Demolition Plans Unveiled

Earlier this month, officials announced that the aging structure would be razed to make way for a modern shopping mall. The decision was framed as part of a broader urban‑development push aimed at revitalising downtown Kabul and attracting foreign investment.

Public Reaction

Many Kabul residents, especially older generations who recall the cinema’s heyday, expressed sorrow and frustration. “It felt like losing a piece of our cultural memory,” said one former patron. Cultural activists warned that erasing such landmarks could further disconnect the city from its rich artistic heritage.

What Lies Ahead

The planned mall promises retail outlets, cafés, and entertainment spaces, but critics argue that it will lack the historical depth that venues like the Ariana once offered. As bulldozers prepare to move in, the debate continues: should progress erase the past, or can the two coexist in a way that honors Kabul’s layered identity?