Technical Team Assesses Flood Damage at Minaret of Jam, Plans Restoration

A technical team from the Ministry of Information and Culture recently visited the historic Minaret of Jam in Ghor Province, Afghanistan, to evaluate the damage caused by recent flooding and to plan for its restoration and reinforcement. The team was led by Engineer Mohammad Haseeb Naseemi, Director of Preservation and Restoration of Historical Monuments, and Mawlawi Abdul Hai Zaeem, Director of Information and Culture of Ghor.

The Minaret of Jam, an 800-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been severely impacted by the recent floods. The team assessed the current state of the Minaret and oversaw the ongoing efforts to clean sediment deposits left by the floods in the Jam River. Engineer Naseemi announced that the cleaning of the lake and further renovation of the Minaret are scheduled to commence soon.

The recent floods in Ghor Province have not only caused human casualties and financial losses but have also damaged historical and ancient heritage sites, including the Minaret of Jam. The floods left the structure on the verge of collapse, highlighting the urgent need for restoration efforts.

The Minaret of Jam, built by the Ghurids rulers in 1190, is the world's second-tallest minaret made of bricks, standing at a height of 65 meters. Afghanistan has been plagued by decades of civil war and foreign invasions, which have resulted in the destruction and looting of its antiquities and historic sites.

The preservation of cultural heritage sites like the Minaret of Jam is essential for maintaining a sense of national identity and promoting cross-cultural understanding. If the site is not properly restored and protected, it could be lost forever, resulting in a significant loss of cultural and historical significance.

The security situation around the Minaret of Jam remains precarious. In recent incidents, Taliban militants stormed and seized control of security checkpoints near the minaret, killing at least 18 government security personnel and forcing workers to evacuate. Cultural activists have expressed alarm over the Taliban's control of the archaeological site, warning that the minaret is in 'grave danger' if the government does not launch a serious attempt to regain control of the area.

The Minaret of Jam embodies Afghanistan's rich cultural heritage amidst ongoing challenges. The government's efforts to assess and restore the minaret are vital in preserving this historical monument for future generations.

Key Takeaways

• Afghanistan's Minaret of Jam, a 800-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site, was damaged by recent floods.
• A technical team assessed the damage and plans to restore and reinforce the minaret.
• The floods left the structure on the verge of collapse, highlighting the urgent need for restoration.
• The Taliban's control of the area poses a threat to the minaret's preservation.
• The government's efforts to restore the minaret are crucial for preserving Afghanistan's cultural heritage.