Tughrul Tower

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

The 20 meters (66ft) tall brick tower is the tomb of Seljuk ruler Toğrül, who died in Ray in 1063. Originally, like other monuments of its time, it was capped by a conical dome (گنبد, gonbad), which would have added to its height. The dome collapsed during an earthquake.

The thickness of the walls varies 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 structure from north side.

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

Portal and interior.

View of interior, which was originally domed with a conical cap.

Even today without the dome, the precise acoustic properties of the interior are striking.

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 protected by Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization.