Afghanistan’s Historic Ariana Cinema Torn Down to Make Way for Shopping Center

Afghanistan’s historic Ariana Cinema, once a central pillar of Kabul’s cultural and artistic life, has been torn down to make way for a modern shopping center, marking the loss of a landmark that represented decades of the country’s cinematic and social history. Built in the mid-20th century, the Ariana Cinema stood as one of Kabul’s most recognizable public spaces, hosting film screenings, cultural events, and gatherings that reflected a more open era in Afghanistan’s past, when cinema and the arts played a visible role in urban life. For many residents, the building carried deep emotional significance, serving not only as an entertainment venue but also as a symbol of cultural identity and shared memory amid years of conflict and upheaval. The decision to demolish the structure has sparked criticism from historians, architects, and cultural preservation advocates, who argue that the destruction of such heritage sites accelerates the erasure of Afghanistan’s architectural and artistic legacy. Supporters of preservation note that the Ariana Cinema survived decades of war, regime changes, and social transformation, making its removal for commercial development particularly poignant. Authorities and developers backing the project have framed the demolition as part of broader urban redevelopment efforts aimed at boosting economic activity and modernizing city infrastructure, emphasizing the need for investment and job creation in a struggling economy.