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The Minaret of Jam (built 12th century)

The Minaret at Jam stands alone in a remote valley surrounded by barren mountains. The Hari Rud river flows rapidly by the lonely tower, which was once surrounded by a great mosque at Firuz Koh. Built in the 12th century, it is the only well-preserved monument from the Ghorid period. It measures 65 meters (213 feet) tall and is accessable through a set of double spiral stairs that run from the octagonal base to the circular top. The tower is decorated with kufic calligraphy etched in stucco and accented with turquoise ceremics. Along the shaft are several balconies and at the top is a large lantern.

That the tower still stands today is something of a miracle, as it was one of the few monuments in the region spared destruction during the Mongol invasion of 1222. However, the minaret is currently at risk of collapse due to seasonal flooding of the Hari river. Centuries of erosion have worn away the adjacent riverbank and damaged the base of the tower, causing it to lean. Although the site was successfully nominated as Afghanistan's first World Heritage site in 2002, it was also added to the list of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites in Danger. Additional funding and attention are needed to prevent this precious relic of the Ghorid period from collapsing into rubble.

If you are interested in donating to help preserve this site, please see the following page (note: not affliliated with this website): Minaret and Archaeological remains of Jam - UNESCO World Heritage Centre