The Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam, located in Afghanistan’s Ghor Province, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 65-meter-tall minaret, built in 1194 for Sultan Ghiyasuddin, a prominent Ghorid ruler, showcases the height of their fired-brick architecture. During the same period, Ghiyasuddin also commissioned Herat’s Friday Mosque. The intricate brickwork and calligraphy highlight the advanced craftsmanship of the era. The site also includes Archaeological Remains of palaces and other structures, However, its remote location, difficult access, and environmental threats pose significant challenges to its preservation.
The Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam, once the world’s tallest minaret, remained unmatched until Delhi’s Qutb Minar surpassed it in the 20th century. For years, archaeologists struggled to understand its purpose and isolated location. The question remains: why was it built here? Many believed its solitary presence reflected a trend of erecting monumental towers. This trend involved rulers raising massive towers as political statements, perhaps marking victories over pagan populations. Today, scholars recognize The Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam as the site of Firuzkoh, the Ghorid capital that the Mongols destroyed.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam
The Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002. They showcase important Islamic architecture and history. Ongoing conservation efforts protect the site from damage. This recognition also reveals long hidden aspects of Afghan culture.
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