Brick Minaret

The Brick Minaret of Khorramabad is one of the most prominent historical monuments in the city of Khorramabad, in Lorestan Province. It stands in the south of the city, in the Qaziabad neighborhood, inside Shaqayeq Park. This valuable structure dates to the 4th century AH and the Al-Buyid (Daylamite) period, and was built on a stone base near the ancient city of Shapurkhast. At roughly 900 years old, the minaret is regarded as one of the most important relics of Islamic architecture in western Iran and is known as one of the historical symbols of Khorramabad. It is registered as number 376 on Iran's National Heritage List.

This cylindrical structure is about 30 meters tall, with a base diameter of nearly 5.4 meters. It is built of sturdy brick, and 99 spiral steps inside allow visitors to climb to the top. In the past, the minaret played an important role in surveillance, in guiding caravans, and in signaling by lighting fires at night, serving as a landmark along caravan routes. The remains of surrounding buildings show that a complex of facilities, such as a caravanserai and a mosque, once stood around the minaret, though no trace of them survives today. Its brick inscriptions and its simple yet precise structure demonstrate the skill of Islamic-era architects in creating tall, functional structures.

The Brick Minaret of Khorramabad is easy to visit from within the city, as it stands in an accessible urban area. The best times to visit this historical monument are spring and autumn, when the weather in the area is milder and strolling through the city's historic setting is more pleasant. When visiting this national monument, it is important to follow the principles of responsible heritage tourism, such as keeping the environment clean, not damaging the historic structure, and respecting the cultural setting around it.