The Minaret of Jam rises in a remote gorge in the mountains of central Afghanistan, in the valley of the Hari River. Built of fired brick in the late twelfth century under the Ghurid dynasty, probably to mark a military victory, it is about 65 metres tall and richly decorated with geometric patterns and bands of calligraphy that include a chapter of the Quran. It may have stood near the lost Ghurid capital of Firuzkuh. The outside world learned of it only in 1957, and it was listed by UNESCO in 2002. Floods, erosion, looting and the lack of access threaten it.
Before and after
- c. 1191Origins of Bern
- 7 September 1191Battle of Arsuf
- 1193Origins of Chernobyl
- 4 March 1193Death of Saladin
- 1194Construction of Minaret of Jam
- 26 December 1194Birth of Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor
- 1195Construction of Bourges Cathedral
- 1196Construction of Siena Cathedral
- from 1198 to 1918Kingdom of Bohemia
More in Civilizations & archaeology
- 1066Construction of Tower of London
- 1342Construction of Palace of Westminster
- from 1368 to 1644Ming dynasty
- from 1370 to 1789Construction of Bastille
- 1386Construction of Heidelberg University
- from 1438 to 1533Inca Empire
The era
This moment belongs to the Medieval world (500 CE to 1500 CE), kingdoms, faiths and trade routes. You can also browse everything in the 12th century.