Herat’s Minaret Road Reopens After Nearly 20 Years
Herat Municipality has announced the reopening of the minaret road in the province, a route that was closed nearly two decades ago to prevent damage to the four historic minarets of the Mosalla complex. This road is now officially open for vehicle traffic.
Municipality officials say the increase in urban congestion and the growth in the number of vehicles made it necessary to reactivate this route. According to them, the road connects Malek Gate to Tank-e Molvi Road and could help reduce some of the traffic pressure in the city center.
Ahmad Ershad Safi, Head of Urban Services and Sector at Herat Municipality, stated that the decision was implemented with traffic management, approval from the Herat provincial governor, and coordination with relevant institutions. He added that the municipality plans to asphalt the road and install curbs on both sides to protect the minarets.
Some Herat residents have welcomed the reopening of the road, considering it an important urban convenience. They say that the shortened route and faster access to different parts of the city have alleviated some daily commuting problems.
Conversely, experts on historical monuments have warned about the consequences of this decision, emphasizing that vehicle traffic near the minarets increases the risk of serious damage to these fragile structures. They say the minarets are in a delicate condition and reopening the road could accelerate their deterioration.
Zalmay Safa, a historical monument expert, stated that this action could weaken the chances of registering the Minarets and Mosalla complex of Herat on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. He called for exploring alternative routes and urged the Taliban administration to take the practical responsibility of protecting this centuries-old heritage seriously.
The Herat Minarets, dating back to the Timurid period, are over five hundred years old and have been damaged multiple times due to wars and natural events. Experts emphasize that these historic remnants require specialized care and cautious decision-making so that urban benefits do not come at the cost of Herat’s historical identity.
