The Jam Minaret, a valuable 800-year-old historical treasure of Afghanistan, has been damaged following two earthquakes that occurred earlier this week and is at risk of collapsing.
The Jam Minaret, located in Ghor Province, was built in the 12th century and was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2002. (Source: Telegraph/TTXVN)
Considered the most exemplary model of Islamic architecture, the Jam Minaret has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This 65-meter tall structure, situated in the heart of Ghor Province, has been in alarming disrepair, requiring urgent restoration, and the recent earthquakes have further weakened its structure.
Speaking to the press on January 19, Abdul Hai Zaeem, the cultural and information officer for Ghor Province, stated: “Some bricks have come loose and the tower has significantly tilted. If not properly addressed, this structure may very well collapse.”
The two earthquakes that struck on January 17 triggered numerous aftershocks across Afghanistan, claiming at least 22 lives and destroying hundreds of homes in the western province of Badghis. UNESCO is currently verifying the extent of the damage caused by the recent earthquakes to the Jam Minaret.
In 2002, the Jam Minaret and its associated archaeological site became the first location in Afghanistan to be listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The tower was constructed in the 12th century during the reign of Sultan Ghiyasuddin, around the year 1190. It is located in a valley with a treacherous and difficult access route, along the Harirud River.
The Jam Minaret has suffered significant damage from earthquakes, floods, and desert sandstorms. Under UNESCO’s patronage, archaeological experts have made considerable efforts to restore this structure; however, the geographical location of the tower, along with the security situation in Afghanistan, has always posed major challenges, as the tower is situated in the heart of Taliban territory prior to the group’s takeover of the country. The last time a UNESCO mission inspected the Jam Minaret was in 2019, at which time experts assessed that the tower was not at risk of collapsing.
