Cockfighting thrives in Kabul despite Taliban ban
- Cockfighting, an ancient sport, has intensified in Kabul, driven by dire economic conditions.
- Spectators passionately prepare their birds and place significant bets during fights that attract considerable attention.
- Despite being banned, the tradition endures, reflecting both societal struggles and the enduring nature of cultural practices.
In Afghanistan, particularly in Kabul, cockfighting has persisted as a longstanding tradition even after the Taliban imposed a ban since assuming power in 2021. This form of entertainment, steeped in history, is now driven by socioeconomic factors such as poverty, unemployment, and desperation, creating a volatile environment where these fights take place year-round. Men gather in makeshift venues, passionately betting on fights while preparing their roosters meticulously for competition. These fights are characterized by the fervent shouts of spectators urging the birds to defeat each other, leading to inevitable bloodshed and injury. The process of preparing the roosters for the fights entails serious care, such as tying their claws, sharpening their beaks, and sometimes providing energy boosters to enhance their performance. Many spectators and owners exhibit deep emotional connections to their birds, often spending money designated for essential items on special feeding and medical care for their roosters. Owners often give their birds heroic names and treat them with greater care than they allocate to their families, elevating the birds to a status of almost familial importance. Victory in cockfighting is not merely a matter of pride; it also has significant financial implications. Betting on fights can lead to dramatic changes in fortune, leaving families either destitute or unexpectedly wealthy. Such outcomes tend to foster intense rivalries, with occasional disputes erupting into physical confrontations among the spectators. The role of elder figures known as 'white beards' becomes critical in these scenarios, as they intervene to prevent conflicts and restore order, allowing the fights to continue without escalating violence. Despite its outlaw status, cockfighting remains prevalent in Kabul as a brutal outlet for citizens grappling with intractable economic hardships and societal instability. With the backdrop of long-standing conflict in the city, such blood sports serve as an unorthodox method for individuals to exert some control and find pride amidst pervasive struggles. The continuation of this practice highlights the resilience of cultural traditions even in the face of legal prohibitions and moral outcry, fostering a complex relationship between social behavior and economic survival in contemporary Afghanistan.