Valentine's Day Banned In Uzbekistan

The Uzbekistani authorities have placed an unofficial ban on romance-themed activities on Valentine’s Day. Russian news agency RIA-Novosti, citing numerous local media, reports that the Central Asian nation has cancelled concerts and other events across the country.
Residents in the capital city of Tashkent can instead take in readings of poems by 16th century Mughal emperor Babur.
The nation has a long-running distaste for Valentine’s Day. Last year, the nation’s Turkiston newspaper described the holiday as the product of “forces with evil goals bent on putting an end to national values”.
Uzbekistan is a predominantly Muslim country, though scores of residents are known to celebrate the traditionally Christian holiday.