Owing to the continuing war in Afghanistan which began on 7 October 2001, only 3,000 to 4,000 tourists a year visit this beautiful country, including the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
· Minaret of Jam
· Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley.
The Afghan Ministry of Justice Law for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Properties provides the necessary finance and technical resources for the sites.
Minaret of Jam
The 65m-tall minaret is lyrically described by UNESCO as
“a graceful, soaring structure, dating back to the 12th century. Covered in elaborate brickwork with a blue tile inscription at the top, it is noteworthy for the quality of its architecture and decoration, which represent the culmination of an architectural and artistic tradition in this region. Its impact is heightened by its dramatic setting, a deep river valley between towering mountains in the heart of the Ghur province”.
It has been on the List of World Heritage in Danger sites since 2002 and will only be taken off the list when Decision 31 COM 7A.20 is implemented. Monitoring the erosion of the Hari riverbanks adjacent to the Minaret, movement in the level of inclination and measures of stabilisation and conservation measures all have to be carried out.
Jam is believed to have been the summer residence of the Ghurid Emperors, and a mosque used to be beside the minaret.
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