GHAZNI MINARETS

The two Ghazni minarets are located in the east of the city, north of the road leading to Kabul. They are located between the citadel and Sultan Mahmud Mausoleum. Ghazni minarets are inspired by Qutub minaret in Delhi, India. Their ceilings are decorated with floral and geometric motifs. Those who have been preserved are among the elements that survived the mosque of Bahramshah, founded by the sultan of the same name. Subsequently, these minarets inspired the manufacturer of the famous Jam minaret in western Afghanistan, which dates back to the mid th century, making Ghazni famous. Erigés in a plain, at the foot of the hills, these are vestiges of ghaznavides constructions. The two were damaged at the top, with their upper parts collapsed in the th century. Originally, they were 21 m high. In the 1970 s, the Afghan Archaeology Institute carried out consolidation work on these two towers.

The most easterly minaret was erected by Sultan Massud III (grandson of Sultan Mahmud) who reigned on Ghazni from 1099 to 1114. This minaret has sixteen faces is constructed of terracotta, on a stone base, with a diameter of 7,30 m, according to a-branch star plan. It is covered with refined mosaics and bricks carved in relief, and bears inscriptions. It is the most developed of both.

The second minaret was built by the last king of the dynasty, Sultan Bahram Shah (1118-1152), son of Massud III. It also has a star plan with a diameter of 6,80 m. Here the decorations are simpler. Four main panels are decorated with. At the summit, an inscription refers to Sultan Mahmud. Between 1978 and 1992, these minarets were in the military field. We can still see tank carcasses next door.