Ep14. The World of Music – Introduction (نگاهی به دنیای موسیقی)
A month after the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, the music is going quiet. The last time the militant group ruled the country, in the late 1990s, it outright banned music. Musicians are afraid that once again a ban will come, and some Taliban fighters on the ground have started enforcing rules on their own, harassing musicians and music venues.
Many musicians have left the country or are applying for visas abroad.
The Taliban’s standpoint on music as “haram” (forbidden or proscribed by Islamic law) is a historical position that dates back to a narrow circle of Islamic legalist elites in the 14th century centred around Ibn Taymiyyah, one of Islam’s most forceful theologians.
However, Afghanistan has a strong musical tradition, influenced by Iranian and Indian classical music. It also has a thriving pop music scene, adding electronic instruments and dance beats to more traditional rhythms. Both have flourished in the past 20 years.
Therefore, in order to keep the spirit of music alive, I have decided to make series of podcasts on the topic of music. We will dive into the beautiful world of music, its history and roots in various human civilisations. We shall have philosophical, sociological, psychological and artistic look at what music actual is and how it has affected our lives thru time. We shall take a look at the history of music in Afghanistan and introduce various musical instruments. Musicians, singers, artists of various walks of life shall be introduced. This is going to be an awesome journey!
Join me as I explore the sublime world of music.
Maiwand
