Minaret of Jam

The world’s second tallest brick minaret, famed for its intricate brickwork and inscriptions. The minaret of Jam has stood in a remote valley nestled between mountains at the edge of the ancient kingdom of Ghor in western Afghanistan for more than 800 years. It was erected by the Ghurid ruler Ghiyath al-Din, probably to commemorate an important military conquest in 1173. It is thought to have been part of Firuzkuh, the summer capital of the Ghurid Empire, which was destroyed by the Mongols under Ghengis Khan in the early 13th century. Elaborate brickwork. Standing 213 ft (65 m) high, the minaret was built entirely of red brick. It was decorated with high- relief terracotta tiles, arranged in geometric patterns of pentagons, hexagons, and diamonds, and a number of epigraphic bands in both kufic and naskh calligraphy. The inscriptions are 5–10 ft (1.5–3 m) in height and contain verses from the Qur’an and historical notes, including increasingly elaborate versions of the name and titles of Ghiyath al-Din and the name of the minaret’s architect, Ali ibn Ibrahim of Nishapur. The decoration of the minaret represents the high point of a technique typical of Afghan architecture first seen in the late 10th century. Frequent floods have damaged the base of the minaret, leaving it leaning and in danger of collapse, and it has lost more than one-fifth of its decorative brickwork.

Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam The 65m-tall Minaret of Jam is a graceful, soaring structure, dating back to the 12th century. Covered in elaborate brickwork with a blue tile inscription at the top, it is noteworthy for the quality of its architecture and decoration, which represent the culmination of an architectural and artistic tradition in this region.

The 65m-tall Minaret of Jam is a graceful, soaring structure, dating back to the 12th century. Covered in elaborate brickwork with a blue tile inscription at the top, it is noteworthy for the quality of its architecture and decoration, which represent the culmination of an architectural and artistic tradition in this region. Its impact is heightened by its dramatic setting, a deep river valley between towering mountains in the heart of the Ghur province.

Such a wonderful place! Full of history. One of my favourite places while travelling Afghanistan!

Great Landmark! It is beautiful you should see it and stay safe! :)