The Minaret of Jam is located in Ghor Province of Western Afghanistan, by the Hari River. It is a 65-meter high minaret and is surrounded by mountains that reach up to 2400 meters. It was built in circa 119s with baked-bricks. It is famous for its tile decoration which consists of kufic and naskhi calligraphy, geometric patterns and verses from Surah Maryam of Qur'an. It was declared as first UNESCO World Heritage site in Afghanistan.
The Minaret of Jam was lost in sands of times for centuries until rediscovered in 1886 by Afghan Boundary Commission and then came into world's attention in 1957 through the work of French Archaeologists. It is said as a direct inspiration of Qutub Minar in Delhi, India. It is also the second-tallest brick minaret in world after the Qutub Minar of Delhi.
There are around 60 Minarets and Towers in central Asia, Iran and Afghanistan built between the 11th and 13th Centuries. The Minarets are thought to be symbols of Islam's Victory.
Other archaeological Landscapes around Jam are the ruins of a palace, Fortifications and a Jewish Cemetry. All these are said to be remains of the lost city of Turquoise Mountain. As the Minaret of Jam is located near Hari and Jam Rivers, it has been threatened by erosion and floods. Frequent Earthquakes and illegal excavations by locals and other looters have also damaged the surroundings of the Minaret and the it has now started to lean, but restoration work is in progress to halt this danger.
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