Religious Actors in Afghanistan: What is Their Role under Taliban Rule?

Through war and peace and shifting regimes mosques and religious institutions have played central roles in Afghan communities, providing space for worship and prayer, educating Islam, and accommodating needs of the population. Religious leaders are expected to resolve issues of conflict within the community.

Mosques are also part of transnational networks, and recipients of support economically and morally. Their role has been disputed and not always recognized by the international community. In the current situation, after the Taliban takeover – what is the role of religious leaders?

Earlier female religious leaders had an important role as educators and mediators in domestic cases – what is the situation now? And is there a potential for religious leaders as bridgebuilders and promoters of non-violence and peace?

Chair: Norunn Grande

Panellists: Tamkin Hamayuddin, Nazifa Jalili and Kaja Borchgrevink