International Women’s Day: Gawharshad Street Signs in Herat Covered with Paint

Local sources report that on March 8, International Women’s Day, the name “Gawharshad” on street signs in Herat was covered with paint. For many, this action serves as a reminder of the Taliban’s anti-women policies.

Gawharshad Begum was a prominent supporter of art, architecture, and education during the Timurid era and played a key role in Herat’s cultural development. She sponsored and oversaw the construction of significant architectural projects, many of which remain an important part of the city’s historical heritage. In her honor, a central street in Herat had been named after her.

Officials from the Herat municipality under the Taliban have not commented on this issue.

Previously, the Taliban also changed the names of some streets in Herat; for example, “Bagh-e Azadi” (Freedom Garden) was renamed “Bagh-e Islami” (Islamic Garden), and the signs of Ahmad Shah Massoud Street and Shaheed Mirwais Sadiq Street were removed.