Mahmud Tarzi - Social Justice and Equality

Social Justice and Equality

Politically, he held important government positions during the reigns of Amir Habibullah Ghazi and King Amanullah. He reached the highest points of government as a chief adviser and Foreign Minister. Mahmud Tarzi is a good example of the reform-minded individuals that contributed to Afghan society at the beginning of the 20th century. He was a main force behind Habibullah Khan's social reforms, especially with regard to education. These reforms included changing the medieval schools and madrasah systems, allow publication of books and journals, and lift all restrictions that ban girls and women from the rest of society. He led the charge for modernization – doing so as a strong opponent of religious obscuring. Although very religious, he was strongly against the state establishing a religion, even if it were his own. Early in his career, he was in favour of a united nation that would stretch from modern-day Pakistan to Syria, not to unify a Muslim nation but to stop inner-conflict and tribal wars that were common during that time in history. Tarzi's daughter, Queen Soraya Tarzi would play a bigger role for social justice, being one of the first major feminists in power in Afghanistan's history.