Overview:

Kutlug Timur Minaret is a large brick minaret located in the ancient city of Konye-Urgench in present-day Turkmenistan. The minaret is the highest structure in the city and at 55 meters tall it is believed to have been the tallest minaret in the world until the completion of the Qutb Minar in Delhi, India, in 1232 AD. The minaret is composed of five distinct sections of decreasing diameters, each section is heavily ornamented with geometric designs and floral motifs. The top section is topped with a circular balcony which would have provided a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. Originally the top section may have been covered in tiles or perhaps a gold capping. The Kutlug Timur Minaret is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an important landmark in the region. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkmenistan
Prominent Features:

The Kutlug Timur Minaret is located in the ancient city of Konye-Urgench in Turkmenistan and is one of the largest and oldest surviving Islamic monuments in Central Asia. It was built in the 12th century to commemorate the victory of Mongol ruler Kutlug Timur over the Kara Khitans. The minaret stands 44.5 meters high and has two tiers of richly decorated brickwork. The lower level consists of alternating two- and three-colored brickwork, with ornamental brickwork spiraling up around it. The upper level has detailed geometric and vegetal motifs. The minaret also has a tower in the center, topped by an onion-shaped cupola. The minaret is part of an impressive archaeological complex which includes several mosques, mausoleums, and caravanserais. This national monument of Turkmenistan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Kutlug Timur Minaret, originally known as Kutluk Timur Minaret, is located in the ancient city of Konye-Urgench in the Dashoguz Province of Turkmenistan. It is believed to have been built during the Seljuk period, between 1221 and 1231 AD. The minaret’s construction is attributed to either Il Arslan Khan, the Seljuk Sultan of Iran, or Kutlug Timur, the Turco-Mongol ruler of Khorezmia. The minaret is 65 metres (213 ft) high and 15.2 metres (50 ft) in diameter at its base, making it the tallest brick minaret in Central Asia. The Kutlug Timur Minaret is an interesting fusion of complex Seljuk architectural styles, blending both Islamic and Central Asian elements. The decoration is highly ornamental, comprising a band of inscriptions containing quotations from the Quran, as well as Islamic motifs and symbols. The pentagonal shaft has five staircases, each with a distinct design. The upper part of the minaret has a central balcony, made of glazed tiles, which provides the best viewpoint to appreciate the structure’s intricate design. Kutlug Timur Minaret holds an important place in Turkmenistan’s history as well as its Islamic culture. It is designated as a national heritage site in the country and is also included in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The monument is also depicted on the national currency of the country. It has become a symbol of Konye-Urgench’s long and rich history, and stands as a reminder of the city’s glorious past. You must visit one of these historical places in Turkmenistan on your Turkmenistan tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Kutlug Timur Minaret is located in Konye-Urgench, Turkmenistan and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. 2. It is one of the tallest minarets in Central Asia, reaching a height of 60 meters. 3. It was built in 1221 and is the oldest standing minaret of its kind in Central Asia. 4. According to legend, the construction of the minaret is related to the imprisonment of the famous warrior Kutlug Timur. 5. The T-shaped Kutlug Timur Minaret is decorated with Arabic and Kufi inscriptions. 6. The cylinder of the minaret is built with bricks faced with glazed tiles, with blue tiles. 7. The Kutlug Timur Minaret is believed to have been used as a navigational beacon for caravans travelling through the area. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkmenistan with your friends and family.