Menar Jonban, Isfahan

Menar Jonban (the Shaking Minarets) is located about 6 kilometres west of the city of Isfahan, in the Karladan neighbourhood, along the Isfahan–Najafabad road. Built over the tomb of an ascetic named "Amu Abdollah Karladani", the monument was first constructed in the Ilkhanid period and later completed in the Safavid period. One of the structure's unique features is its pair of identical, equidistant minarets: when one minaret is shaken, the other, and even the whole building, begins to sway. Thanks to the precise engineering and the particular materials of the time, this phenomenon continues to amaze visitors to this day.

In the architecture of Menar Jonban, the brick iwan of the tomb stands out with its tall, majestic arch. On either side stand two minarets of equal size and symmetrical design, nearly 17 metres high, which were added to the building in the Safavid era. The turquoise tilework and delicate geometric patterns on the bricks present a striking blend of Persian and Mongol art. The date 716 AH (lunar Hijri) is carved on the gravestone inside the tomb, which indicates the age of the building and makes it a valuable relic of the Ilkhanid era. Today's visitors can watch the minarets move in unison at scheduled times; however, to protect the structure, shaking the minarets by hand is forbidden for the public.

To reach this remarkable monument, head west from the centre of Isfahan and, after passing along the Isfahan–Najafabad road, turn right onto Atashgah Boulevard; the Menar Jonban monument is visible about 6 kilometres along the route. The best time to visit is after morning and before late afternoon, when the light is good for photography. Responsible visiting includes respecting the religious setting, not putting excessive pressure on the structure, and, for a closer look at the vibration of the minarets, going with a local guide or tour.