Chehel Dokhtaran minaret
| Chehel Dokhtaran minaret | |
|---|---|
  Shown within Iran | |
| Basic information | |
| Location | Jouybare quarter, Isfahan, Iran |
| Geographic coordinates | 32°39′54″N 51°42′08″E / 32.665°N 51.702222°ECoordinates: 32°39′54″N 51°42′08″E / 32.665°N 51.702222°E |
| Province | Isfahan |
| Municipality | Isfahan |
| Architectural description | |
| Architectural type | Minaret |
| Architectural style | Razi |
| Completed | 1112 |
| Height (max) | 21 m |
Chehel Dokhtaran minaret (Persian: مناره چهل دختران) is a historical minaret in Isfahan, Iran. It is located in the Jouybare quarter of Isfahan. According to the kufic inscription on the minaret, it is built in 1112. It is the fifth oldest minaret in Iran, which has an inscription. There's a big window on the minaret, which faces the qibla. This feature does not exist in other minarets of Isfahan. There is a spiral staircase in the minaret, which leads to the top of it. This minaret is 21 meters high.[1]
Etymology
Chehel Dokhtaran in Persian means ' forty girls'. The origin of its meaning is unknown. The number 'forty' in the Iranian culture is used for exaggerating. Maybe there was once a building beside it, which pertained exclusive to women and it does not exist any more. The people of the Neighborhood call this minaret also Garland minaret. Garland was a British religious missionary, who came to Iran in the early 20th century and worked near the minaret.[1]