Kharraqan towers

Kharraqan towers

The Kharāghān 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): 707–720. Bibcode 2005GeoJI.160..707W. doi:10.1111/j.1365-246X.2005.02516.x. 
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