THE MINARETS

The two remaining Minarets, built by Sultan Massoud 3rd (1099-1114) and Bahram Shah (1118-1152), now only a fraction of their original height, served as models for the spectacular tower of Jam which in turn inspired the Qutob Minar at Delhi. The intricate decoration is in raised brick, without colour and includes epigraphic friezes in square Kufic and Noshki script, in addition to panels of floral and geometric designs. That of Sultan Massoud is more elaborate.

Note: Unfortunately, most of these historical sites were severely damaged by two decades of war and armed conflicts in Afghanistan.