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Minaret of Jam, a 12th-century monument located in the Shahrak District of Ghor Province, western Afghanistan.
Rising 65 meters (approximately 213 feet) tall, it is a striking example of Ghurid architecture, characterized by its intricate baked brickwork and a band of blue-glazed tile inscriptions.
Key Facts About the Minaret:
Historical Significance: Built around 1190 CE during the height of the Ghurid Empire, it is one of the few surviving structures from that era. Some believe it may have been built to celebrate a major military victory.
UNESCO Recognition: In 2002, it became Afghanistan's first site to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Location: It stands at the confluence of the Hari and Jam rivers in a remote, rugged valley roughly 1,900 meters above sea level.
Conservation Status: The minaret is currently on the List of World Heritage in Danger due to its precarious lean and threats from flooding, erosion, and lack of maintenance.
Artistic Detail: The exterior is covered in complex geometric patterns and Kufic calligraphy, including verses from the Quran (specifically the Surah Maryam, which honors Mary, the mother of Jesus).
The provided image appears to be a vintage travel poster for Ariana Afghan Airlines, created by the Afghan Tourist Organization to promote tourism to the site during a more stable period in the country's history. |
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