Musicians Find Refuge in Portugal Amidst Attempts by the Taliban to Suppress Their Artistry

A stone's throw away from Portugal's oldest cathedral and buzzing bakeries offering up pastéis de nata, a melodious tune fills the ground floor of an unassuming building in Braga's northern city. The intricate notes of a sitar echo through this location which has been transformed into an unlikely beacon for music preservation and cultural resilience amidst tumultuous times.

The soothing strumming that emanates from within the walls belies the monumental mission being pursued here: to safeguard Afghanistan's musical heritage as a means of combating those who wish to erase it.

"We fought off the Taliban once before," stated Ahmad Sarmast, director of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music and its new Braga-based office. "But now we are even stronger."

Founded in 2010 under US-backed governance in Kabul, the institute was a powerful emblem of societal transformation within Afghanistan - symbolizing progressive shifts towards freedom, women's rights, and education for all. This is reflected not only by its music but also in the array of instruments it houses including sitar, rubab, daf, harmonium, qanun, santur, dilruba, setar, naghara, and dumbek.

Over two years ago, this institute found itself on an unforeseen journey across continents when the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan. A significant number of musicians, artists, and staff members left their homeland in search for a safer environment to nurture their craft. However, many chose to stay behind and continue to safeguard and share their music with the world despite growing hostilities against it - which has since been deemed an offense by the Taliban regime.

Amidst this backdrop of uncertainty, approximately 70 individuals residing in Braga are now carrying on the legacy of Afghanistan's rich musical heritage. The unaccompanied minors who were part of the institute have been placed under the care of local institutions and attend nearby schools for their education while still participating in weekly sessions to hone their skills at the music conservatory - a place that has now become an important hub for fostering the next generation of musicians.

This Saturday evening, it is not unusual to witness a gathering of aspiring Afghan musicians and students immersed in learning about various musical instruments while also sharing stories about their favorite international artists. Some are even seen diligently finishing assignments during breaks - demonstrating their unwavering dedication to both their art and academia.

Despite the challenges faced by this community, there is a sense of hope that they carry with them in each note played or song performed: "We may be scattered across different continents now," Sarmast said, "but our music will never silence."

The institute's recent performances at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center have been a testament to their unwavering spirit. These events serve not only as an expression of artistic talent but also as a statement against oppression, reminding the world that Afghanistan's rich musical legacy continues to thrive despite adversity.

Today, Sarmast and his team are working diligently towards their newest goal: reuniting families with their loved ones who were previously part of the institute in Braga. "It has been a long road," he admits, "but we will not stop until this happens."

The preservation work being conducted by the Afghanistan National Institute of Music extends beyond just safeguarding musical instruments and practices; it is about upholding cultural values that form an integral part of Afghan society. This endeavor has taken on newfound significance in light of recent developments, with many fearing for the future of these art forms if they were to be lost within the next five or ten years due to a lack of documentation and transmission through generations - as the music is predominantly an oral tradition.

Through their performances worldwide, Ahmad Sarmast's team has now transformed into more than just musicians; they have become emissaries for Afghanistan itself, sharing stories that resonate with audiences everywhere and making a powerful impact on the international community by calling upon them to take action against oppression.

With each strum of their instruments and every beat echoed in Braga's streets, this group continues to remind us that music is more than just an art form - it has become an act of resistance and a testament to the enduring spirit of its people.