Kharraqan towers

Kharraqan towers

The Kharฤghฤn twin towers

Basic information
Location Qazvin Province, Iran
Affiliation Muslim
Year consecrated First tower 1067CE
Second tower 1093CE
Architectural description
Architect(s) Muhammad bin Makki al-Zanjani
Specifications
Width 4 m
Height (max) 15 m

The Kharraqan towers are mausoleums, built in 1093 CE and 1067 CE, located on the plains in northern Iran, near Qazvin.

The brick structures stand 15 meters tall and 4 meters wide, and make extensive use of geometry. Inside the older mausoleum there is a lamp and paintings.

The eastern tower dates from 1067-1068CE, while the western tower dates from 1093.[1] Both towers appear to be the work of the architect, Muhammad bin Makki al-Zanjani.[2] It is believed that the occupant of the eastern tower was Abu Sa'id Bijar and the occupant of the western tower was Abu Mansur Iltayti.[2]

These towers are remnant examples of architecture that existed during the Seljuk period of medieval Persia.[3]

21st century

Both towers were significantly damaged by the 2002 Bou'in-Zahra earthquake. These were in a good state of preservation prior to the rupture, suggesting it was one of the most powerful quakes in the region for approximately 900 years.[4]

See also

References

  1. ^ David Stronach and T. Cuyler Young, Jr, Three Seljuq Tomb Towers, Iran, Vol. 4, 1966:6.
  2. ^ a b David Stronach and T. Cuyler Young, Jr, Three Seljuq Tomb Towers, 6.
  3. ^ David Stronach and T. Cuyler Young, Jr, Three Seljuq Tomb Towers, 1.
  4. ^ Walker, R. T.; Bergman, E; Jackson, J; Ghorashi, M; Talebain, M. (2005). "The 2002 June 22 Changureh (Avaj) earthquake in Qazvin province, northwest Iran: epicentral relocation, source parameters, surface deformation and geomorphology". Geophysical Journal International 160 (2): 707โ€“720. Bibcode 2005GeoJI.160..707W. doi:10.1111/j.1365-246X.2005.02516.x.