Minaret of Jam and its Place in The List of World Heritage in Danger

Afghanistan is one of the mountainous countries historically popular and has been attacked prominently by invaders for centuries. Towards the end of the twentieth century, Afghanistan has declared a country of Islam. This remained the religion for most people residing in Afghanistan, extending from the time of the ‘Great Arab’ conquests. Further, Afghanistan is an outpost of Islam and a strong base for spreading the Islamic religion in India. In circa 1190 CE, the minaret of Jam, also known as a masterpiece of Afghanistan and Islamic architecture, was built; however, now it is one among the list of world heritage in danger and threat to erosion. 

Location

Jam’s minaret and archaeological remains are located in the heart of Afghanistan, 215 km east of Herat. The mountainous province is known as Gur at 1904 m altitude above the Harirud river and Jamrud sea level. Further, this major heritage site meets surrounding mountains of 2300m. Once a vital trading route ran in place of Minaret and the archaeological remains of Jam, which was a connection between Istanbul and India through Multan, Ray, Jurjan, Kabul, Tabriz, and Nishanpur. 

Jam’s minaret and archaeological remains were included in the list of UNESCO in 1423 AH or 2002. The remains of the fortress and towers called Ghurid are situated on river Harirud, north of the minaret of Jam and higher on the cliff. There are remains of fortification in the east of the minaret of Jam that certifies that this minaret was certainly not surrounded by either settlement or military camps. Thus this minaret of Jam eventually is not only a sacred place for prayers but also a watch tower. 

The mystery about the minaret of Jam is the exact location of Firuzkuh, as most conventional sources cannot resolve this situation. No writing left by the geographers who lived in the later period could justify the ghost towns. This minaret of Jam is one of the 60 Minarets across the globe, but it still stands in Afghanistan, Central Asian Republics and Iran, making it shine out of the dark. Another special flavour added by the founders and geographers is that this minaret symbolises the triumph of Islam across the globe. 

Major Wonder 

Jam’s Minaret and Archaeological remains to remind the minaret constructed by Masud III in 477-492 AH or 1099-1114 in Ghazni, a model for upcoming builders. Minaret of Jam is the second-highest brick tower globally, right after India’s Qutub Minar of Delhi. As per some of the resources, Qutub Minar was built by getting inspiration from the minaret of Jam or one among the list of world heritage in danger. This world-famous minaret was constructed during the reign of Ghiyath-al-Din, sultan of the Ghurid dynasty. The second name given to the minaret of Jam is the Tower of Victory.

Facts 

• The minaret of Jam is a leaning monument tilted at 3.47 degrees and threatens erosion 
• The minaret of Jam is the second tallest ancient minaret in the world at 206 feet. 
• Various designs cover this famous minaret, including patterns of pentagons, diamonds and hexagons
• The minaret of Jam also features a Kufic inscription carved on turquoise tiles.
• As the minaret of Jam is a useful guard tower, Mongols spared it and destroyed the Firuzkuh City when they attacked the region in 1221
• The Minaret and Archaeological remains of Jams are a part of the list of world heritage sites in danger

Conclusion

The Minaret and Archaeological remains of Jam are one of the popular heritage sites mentioned in the list UNESCO. One among the list of world heritage in danger, a major influential leaning tower is entirely made up of bricks bound with lime mortar. The Minirated of Jam remained a mystery until it was first photographed and founded by Ahmed Ali Kohzad. Still, due to lost sight, it was again considered unfounded until French archaeologist Andre Maric discovered it. Thus, one amongst the list of world heritage in danger, it is believed that the magnificent minaret of Jam and its existence after the destruction of Firuzkuh remained an untold mystery for more than eight centuries to the entire external world.