Restoration and Reinforcement Work Begins on historic Jam Minaret in Ghor Province
Technical and engineering operations to prevent further damage to the historic Jam Minaret in Ghor province have commenced through a collaboration involving the Aga Khan Cultural Foundation, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and in coordination with the Taliban administration. Registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List, this minaret is among Afghanistan’s most significant historical monuments.
According to the information provided, the initial phase of the project focuses primarily on the restoration, stabilization, and reinforcement of the main structure of the minaret. These measures are being carried out under the supervision of specialized engineering teams to set the groundwork for targeted and long-term reconstruction programs in subsequent stages.
Emanullah Sahibzada, the provincial coordination officer at the Aga Khan Cultural Foundation, confirmed during a field visit that the restoration process of the minaret’s body has begun professionally and in accordance with accepted engineering standards. He stated that coordination among the Aga Khan Foundation, UNESCO, and the Taliban administration is ongoing to progress this project.
Local Taliban officials in Ghor have also welcomed the commencement of these operations, stating that they have provided necessary facilities for the technical teams. Mawlawi Abdulhai Zaeem, head of the Taliban’s Department of Information and Culture in Ghor, pledged comprehensive cooperation in the assessment, protection, restoration, and registration of the site.
Constructed in the 12th century AD (6th century Hijri), the Jam Minaret has faced gradual erosion and degradation in recent years due to its geographical location, floods, and neglect. Cultural heritage experts have consistently emphasized the urgent and sustainable measures needed to protect this historic monument to safeguard one of the country’s most prominent symbols of civilization from further harm.
