Afghanistan opens new book market and exhibition to revive reading culture
Afghan authorities launch permanent space for displaced booksellers, promise tax relief and more book hubs across capital
KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — A new book market and three-day exhibition have opened in central Kabul, marking a step toward revitalizing Afghanistan’s literary and publishing community after years of displacement and neglect.
According to Pajhwok Afghan News, the new marketplace, located near the Pamir cinema, provides a permanent space for booksellers and publishers who were previously evicted from the Joy-i-Shir area due to road expansion projects.
The initiative was launched jointly by the Ministry of Information and Culture and Kabul Municipality. Officials say it is the first in a series of planned efforts to create dedicated spaces for book vendors across Kabul, particularly in areas with high population density and cultural relevance.
“This market is just the beginning,” said Maulvi Hayatullah Muhajir Farahi, Deputy Minister of Publication. “We plan to establish similar facilities in other parts of the city to support booksellers and promote a culture of reading.”
To further encourage the publishing sector, the Islamic Emirate has exempted all domestically printed books from taxation and halved the import tax on religious books.
The market includes around 100 stalls, with monthly rent set at 1,600 Afghanis ($23). Some stalls are already in use, while others are under construction. A green park has also been added within the market compound to offer a peaceful reading environment for students and book lovers.
“This is the first time that a proper, designated space has been provided for booksellers in Kabul,” said Abdul Wudood Mokhtarzada, a representative of local publishers. “We hope the government continues this initiative across other neighborhoods.”
Cultural officials praised the accompanying book exhibition as an important effort to rekindle Afghanistan’s reading culture, which has faced challenges due to conflict, economic hardship, and restricted access to educational spaces.
With the launch of this new hub, Kabul’s literary community is seeing a glimmer of institutional support — a rare but welcome development in a country where books have long struggled to find both space and support.
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