Tughrul Tower

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Toghrol Tower (also transliterated Tughrul or Tughrol) is a 12th century monument, located in the city of Ray, Iran.

The brick tower is a relic of the Seljuk era of Persia, standing at 20 meters (66ft) height. Originally, like other monuments of its time, it was capped by a conical dome, which would have added to its height. The dome collapsed during an earthquake.

The thickness of the walls vary from 1.75 to 2.75m. The inner and outer diameters are 11 and 16m respectively. The exterior shape is that of a polygon with 24 angles in its design, which is thought to contribute to the structure's stability against tremors.

View of interior, which was originally domed with conical cap. Even today without the dome, the precise acoustic properties of the interior are striking.

View of structure from north side.

Detail of brickwork of upper sections. The Seljuki style is readily observable.

View of base from south side.

At the top of the tower Kufic inscriptions were originally observable. Nasereddin Shah ordered some restorations to be made to the top part of the tower, which was collapsing in 1884. The tower is now closed to the public, and is protected by Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization.