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SPORT
Hazara community traders, led by Barat Ali Batoor, front, propose a name change for Afghan Bazaar in Dandenong. (Stewart Chambers: 455477)
Fight for change Hazara traders and community members are campaigning to change the name of the famous Afghan Bazaar precinct in Thomas Street Dandenong. Under the proposal, the thriving food and retail shopping strip would be rebranded to Little Bamyan – in what proponents say will promote better cultural understanding. Group spokesperson Barat Batoor says the Hazara community had been long “dissatisfied”
with the name Afghan Bazaar. ‘Afghan’ is a synonym of ‘Pashtun’ which is the name of the ruling ethnic group in Afghanistan and a “controversial term” imposed on Hazaras, in light of the country’s reported Hazara genocide, Batoor said. “The name should be inclusive and represent the contribution of the Hazara community in transforming the once deserted street into a now thriving business centre.
“Little Bamyan better portrays the rich history of Afghanistan, and the stakeholders in the Bazaar will have a sense of belonging and pride.” Some business owners however told Star Journal they were concerned the renaming may cause unnecessary disunity within the wider Afghanistan community. Greater Dandenong strategic and environmental planning manager Brett Jackson last
week said the current term is considered to be a “representative of diverse and historical cultural perspectives of all Afghanis”. “As such at this time council doesn’t have any plans to rename.” The Little Bamyan group is expected to petition the council for a name change this month. More on the story, turn to page 4
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