Uzbekistan Cancels Valentine’s Day

Who needs love when you can celebrate the birthday of Mughal Emperor Babur? Uzbekistan has canceled Valentine’s Day—or at least a yearly concert by Rayhan, a popular singer who traditionally croons during Feb. 14 celebrations. Instead, the government is trying to push the appreciation of Babur, who’s a descendent of Genghis Khan and helped spread an empire across South and Central Asia. Basically, it’s a rebellion against Western influences. Instead of candy hearts and valentines, the government will schedule commemorative readings and poetry festivals.