The brick decoration
Script and geometry.
AhmadElhan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · AhmadElhan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · AhmadElhan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · tobeytravels — CC BY-SA 2.0 · tobeytravels — CC BY-SA 2.0
The Minaret of Jam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in western Afghanistan, in a remote and nearly inaccessible part of Ghor Province, between the Jam and Hari Rivers. It stands 62 or 65 m tall, depending on the source, and is among the finest works in brick in the world. It is hard to believe a tower this size stands in a narrow rocky valley, far from any city. It was built about 1190 entirely of baked brick, in the Ghurid era. It has been on the List of World Heritage in Danger since 2002, threatened by erosion at its base, without active conservation. Reports in 2014 said the tower was at risk of collapse, and its condition remains a concern, so it may differ from these photos. You see it standing where the rivers meet, among tall brown mountains and a few fields. As you approach, its fine decoration appears, in alternating bands of Kufic and Naskhi script, geometric patterns and verses from the Quran, with a band of blue tile near the top. Do not climb inside, as the tower is fragile and unstable. It is about 212 km in a straight line from Herat, along a long hard road that needs a four-wheel drive, several days and full supplies. Snow closes the roads in winter, so late spring and autumn are best. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to Afghanistan, and access may not be possible, so check official guidance before making any plans.
Script and geometry.
Tile near the top.
A narrow rocky valley.
Shahrak District, Ghor Province, Afghanistan
Yes, it has been on the danger list since 2002 because of erosion at its base.
Do not count on it, and check official guidance first, as the UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Afghanistan.