Kharraqan towers

Kharraqan towers
The Kharāghān twin towers
Basic information
Location	Qazvin Province, Iran
Affiliation	Muslim
Year consecrated	First tower 1067 Second tower 1093
Architect(s)	Muhammad bin Makki al-Zanjani
Specifications
Width	4 m
Height (max)	15 m

The Kharraqan towers are mausoleums, built in 1067 and 1093, located on the plains in northern Iran, near Qazvin.

The brick structures stand 15 metres (49 ft) tall and 4 metres (13 ft) wide, and make extensive use of geometry. Inside the older mausoleum there is a lamp and paintings.

The eastern tower dates from 1067–68, 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. They were in a good state of preservation before the event, suggesting it was one of the most powerful quakes in the region for approximately 900 years.^[4]

See also

• Iranian architecture
• Cultural Heritage, Handcrafts and Tourism Organization
• Seljuk Architecture
• History of Persian domes

References

1. David Stronach and T. Cuyler Young, Jr, Three Seljuq Tomb Towers, Iran, Vol. 4, 1966:6.
2. 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.

Coordinates: 35°50′24.5″N 49°00′32.2″E / 35.840139°N 49.008944°E