RASC News Agency: The media office of the Taliban-appointed governor in Ghor province has announced that Patricia McPhillips, head of UNESCO’s Afghanistan office, recently led a delegation to visit the iconic Minaret of Jam. Located in the Shahrak district at the confluence of the Jam and Hari Rud rivers, the historic monument is a testament to Afghanistan’s architectural and cultural legacy. During her visit, McPhillips underscored the critical need for intensified preservation efforts. She revealed that UNESCO is actively working to secure additional financial resources to protect the minaret. Plans are underway to construct retaining walls around the structure and a bridge over the adjacent river to prevent further erosion.
Built in the 12th century, the Minaret of Jam stands at an impressive height of 62 meters and was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2002. It is recognized as the world’s second-tallest brick minaret, surpassed only by the Qutb Minar in Delhi, India. However, the minaret faces significant threats due to erosion caused by the river’s proximity. Francesco Bandarin, a former UNESCO heritage director, described it as “arguably one of the most extraordinary architectural masterpieces and the oldest surviving brick tower in the world.” UNESCO has expressed concern that without intervention, the site may suffer irreversible damage.
Historical records attribute the construction of the Minaret of Jam to 1194 during the reign of Sultan Ghiyath al-Din Ghurid, one of the most influential Tajik monarchs. This extraordinary structure is celebrated as a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Afghanistan and the greater Khorasan region, standing as a timeless emblem of its architectural brilliance and historical significance.
