The Kufic bands
On the shaft.
John Pavelka from Austin, TX, USA — CC BY 2.0 · Hans Birger Nilsen — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Hans Birger Nilsen — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Hergit — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Tim Williams — CC BY-SA 3.0
The Kutlug Timur Minaret is a 60-metre brick tower at the Konye-Urgench archaeological site in northern Turkmenistan. It measures 12 metres across at the base and 2 metres at the top, so it narrows clearly as it rises. It shows from far away above flat ground and is the main landmark of the old capital of Khwarezm. It is commonly dated to 1011, under the Khwarazmian dynasty, and it is one of about 60 minarets and towers raised between the 11th and 13th centuries across Central Asia, Iran and Afghanistan, the Minaret of Jam among them. Kutlug Timur is thought to have restored it around 1330, judging by its brickwork and Kufic inscriptions. The site joined the UNESCO list in 2005. Rings of brick in different patterns run up the shaft, with bands of Kufic script between them, the finest thing for Arabic readers as they come close. At the base is a paved stone platform, reached by a straight path across bare ground. Behind it you see the dome of Turabek Khanum and the remains of old buildings under a wide clear sky. The Turabek Khanum Mausoleum is about 500 metres away in a straight line, so it is easy to walk between them. The site is exposed and very hot in summer, so spring and autumn suit best. Do not climb the base or try to go in, and listen to your guide. Visitors come to pray at the nearby tombs, so behave with respect and dress modestly.
On the shaft.
Patterns in sequence.
Across bare ground.
Konye-Urgench, Daşoguz Province, Turkmenistan
Do not expect to, as it is not usually open to visitors, so ask your guide.
It is named for Kutlug Timur, who is thought to have restored it around 1330.
