Four young Afghan men were summoned by Taliban authorities after dressing in outfits inspired by the British series Peaky Blinders. Their suits, flat caps, and cigar-style poses drew significant attention online. However, the style also triggered a response from the Taliban’s department overseeing public morality.
Officials said the clothing conflicted with Afghan and Islamic values. The young men, all in their early twenties, live in the Jibrail area of Herat province. Although the authorities summoned them, they were not formally arrested. They were questioned, advised, and later released.
Taliban Say Outfits Promote Foreign Culture
A spokesperson for the provincial morality department explained that the outfits promoted foreign culture. He added that such imitation did not align with Afghan traditions. According to him, Afghans should follow their religious and cultural role models instead of copying characters from foreign films or shows.
The spokesman stressed that Afghan culture has long-established clothing norms. He further claimed that the outfits lacked any Afghan identity. Therefore, officials directed the young men to undergo a brief rehabilitation programme. The goal was to remind them of cultural expectations under the current government.
Friends Admired the Style and Received Support From Locals
Before the summons, the group shared their Peaky Blinders-inspired content on social media. They told a local YouTube channel that they admired the fashion seen in the show. The interview revealed that many locals had reacted positively to their outfits. Some people even requested photos with them in public.
However, the men later appeared in a video issued by the authorities. They thanked officials for their guidance and said they had not known their clothing violated any rules. It remains unclear under what circumstances the recorded statements were made.
Restrictions on Culture and Appearance Continue in Afghanistan
Since taking control in 2021, the Taliban have enforced strict regulations on public behaviour and appearance. Clothing choices, social activities, and cultural expressions remain under heavy monitoring. Officials say such measures protect Islamic values. Yet, many young Afghans believe these rules restrict creativity and expression.
Although the Peaky Blinders outfits gained popularity online, the government viewed them as a threat to cultural identity. Consequently, the incident highlights the growing tension between traditional expectations and emerging youth trends.
