Overview:

The Minaret of Jam located in western Afghanistan is a sixty-meter-tall tower of tapered brickwork, nearly 230 feet, built in the 12th century. Its conical shape is the result of eleven terraces which encircle the tower, each terrace diminishing in size until the tower becomes a spire. The minaret is decorated with intricate brick geometry and regularly broken blue glazed tiles that give it its striking beauty. It stands as one of the most impressive Islamic monuments in the region and a testament to the craftsmanship of the Persian masons of the ghaznavian dynasty. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Afghanistan
Prominent Features:

The Minaret of Jam is one of Afghanistan's most iconic monuments. Built in 1184 AD, the minaret is a soaring 225 foot tall tower that is surrounded by the remains of an ancient mosque. The minaret is decorated in intricate blues and turquoise mosaics which were collected from abandoned ancient sites during the reign of the Ghorid Dynasty. The tower was built from fired bricks and gently tapering upward in a geometric pattern. It is believed that the minaret was initially used for religious purposes such as (calling for prayer), however, it has become a symbol of Afghan culture and is an important part of the country’s history and identity. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the best examples of Islamic architecture in the region. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Afghanistan.

History:

The Minaret of Jam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in western Afghanistan. It stands over 225 feet tall, and is arguably one of the most magnificent Islamic monuments in the world. According to architectural historians, it is believed to have been built in the 12th century during the Ghorid dynasty. The history of the minaret is closely associated with the history of the Ghorid Empire, a powerful Islamic empire which stretched from the Caspian Sea in present day Iran and Azerbaijan to India and populated a vast part of modern day Afghanistan. The minaret is believed to have been commissioned by the ruler of the Ghorid dynasty, Sultan Ghiyas ud-Din Ghori. It is a unique combination of fine architecture and intricate sculpture, and is believed to be a token of Ghori's deep devotion to Allah. The Minaret of Jam was a major pilgrimage destination between the 13th and 16th centuries, when the Ghorids were replaced by the Mongol Empire and the Uzbek Empire. It was only in the 19th century that the minaret achieved its current renowned status, when Alexander Burnes visited the site and published an account of his experiences. Since then, the minaret has become one of the most iconic landmarks of Afghanistan. Unfortunately, throughout its long history, the minaret has endured a great deal of damage due to war, natural disasters and vandalism. The structure was damaged extensively by an earthquake in 1977 and even more by American airplanes in 1984. It has been restored since and is a major attraction today. Visit one of the famous monuments of Afghanistan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Minaret of Jam is a soaring example of Afghan architecture, located in the Ghur province of Central Afghanistan. 2. This elegant structure was constructed in 1193 and stands 65 meters (213 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest minarets in the world. 3. The intricate structure of the minaret is covered in turquoise-colored tiles, an elegant design against the harsh laws of the desert. 4. Legend has it that a single night was all it took for the minaret to be built by Sultan Ghiyath al-Din. This night was said to be one of 40 nights of intense labor where thousands of workers believed to have been called with the support of supernatural assistance to construct the minaret in such a short time. 5. The Minaret of Jam is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its exceptional architectural design. 6. The 30 meter (98 foot) wide spiral staircase located in the interior of the minaret holds more secrets. The steps lead to two balconies that offer beautiful views of the Hari River Valley, which is fed by the turquoise-blue waters of the Jam River. 7. Despite its remarkable design, the minaret has been partially damaged due to centuries of war and natural disasters, such as earthquakes that have occurred in the area. One of the historical monuments of Afghanistan, it tells the story of a bygone era