In a surprising twist, a new travel initiative is set to take Russians on excursions to Afghanistan, specifically to the Taliban-controlled city of Kandahar. This venture, spearheaded by businessman Anatoly Aronov, aims to attract Russians, particularly those who served in the Afghan war, by offering a unique opportunity to revisit a significant chapter in their lives.
Aronov has filed a trademark application for "Taliban Tour" with Rospatent, marking the launch of his travel company that promises organized trips to Afghanistan. According to Aronov, the tours will consist of small groups of three to five people, with each two-week trip priced at 100,000 rubles. He believes that the primary audience for these excursions will be veterans of the Afghan war, who may have a nostalgic desire to reconnect with their past.
"This will be interesting primarily for those who served there. They will want to see and feel their youth again," Aronov stated. He also mentioned that Afghans might show interest in these tours, potentially even paying extra for the experience, as Western nations have largely shunned travel to the region. Aronov emphasized the historical ties between Russians and Afghanistan, noting that hundreds of thousands of Russians have memories from their time in the country.
However, Aronov cautioned against women traveling to Afghanistan, highlighting the strict regulations imposed by the Taliban. "They [the Taliban] have strict rules regarding women. I think women won't travel there. Why seek unnecessary adventures?" he remarked.
This initiative comes on the heels of a significant legal change in Russia, where the Supreme Court recently lifted the ban on the Taliban, allowing the group to operate without legal restrictions. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov explained that the decision to remove the Taliban from the list of prohibited organizations was part of a broader strategy.
Despite Afghanistan's reputation for conflict and drug production, the country is open to tourists, albeit with considerable caution required. Russian travelers must first obtain a visa in Moscow and a maktub, a special permit for sightseeing, which can only be acquired in Kabul and must be validated in each province they visit. Igor Manashirov, a Russian traveler, pointed out the complexities of navigating Afghan bureaucracy: "Eastern bureaucracy is very subtle, and each provincial chief wants to personally demonstrate his authority," he noted.
Since the Taliban regained control in 2021, life in Afghanistan has transformed dramatically. Women face severe restrictions, prohibited from freely going outside or pursuing education, while men are subject to strict dress codes. For instance, men are not allowed to wear revealing sportswear, have beards shorter than a fist, or wear ties. Furthermore, interactions between men and women are heavily regulated, with the new authorities enforcing a strict separation.
The Taliban has also declared a war on drugs to improve Afghanistan's international image, leading to unexpected consequences such as the closure of hookah lounges. Local residents have adapted to these new laws; for instance, a merchant in Kabul cleverly conceals a hookah lounge behind a frozen goods store, enticing tourists with the invitation, "Hurry up while no one sees!" This adaptability illustrates the resilience of Afghans amid challenging circumstances.
Despite the ongoing difficulties, Afghanistan is witnessing a surge in interest among tourists, with many eager to explore a country often overshadowed by its tumultuous past. However, the risks associated with travel in Afghanistan remain significant, and potential visitors are urged to proceed with caution.
As the Taliban Tour initiative unfolds, it raises questions about the implications of tourism in a country marked by conflict and strict governance. While some may view this as an opportunity for cultural exchange and historical reflection, others express concern over the ethical considerations of traveling to a nation still grappling with the consequences of war and oppression.
In conclusion, the Taliban Tour represents a controversial yet intriguing development in Russian tourism, reflecting a complex interplay of nostalgia, cultural ties, and the evolving landscape of Afghanistan under Taliban rule. As the travel industry navigates these uncharted waters, it remains to be seen how this initiative will unfold and what impact it will have on both Russian tourists and the Afghan people.
