The Kutlug Timur minaret, named after a khan of the Golden Horde, towers over the site of Konye-Urgench at a height of 60 metres. 

Konye-Urgench, or Urganj, is a major historical site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated in the far north of Turkmenistan. 

The city reached its peak between the 10th and 14th centuries as the capital of Khwarezm. Although ravaged in 1221 by Genghis Khan during the Mongol invasion of Central Asia, it was rebuilt and quickly regained its status. However, in 1373, Tamerlane conquered Khwarezm. In 1388, he razed the city to the ground, massacred its population and destroyed the irrigation system. This event, combined with a change in the course of the Amu Darya, marked the beginning of Konye-Urgench’s decline. In the 16th century, the city was replaced by Khiva as the regional capital, and was subsequently gradually abandoned.

Photo credits : Anton Pfaller (Germany, @apr_jnr)

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View of the ‘Moskva’ hotel from the Madrasa Kukeldash, in Uzbekistan.

Two men shelter from the sun in the shadow of the minaret. At the moment the hotel is being demolished.

Credit: Massimiliano Macrì (Italy)

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The Vobkent Minaret, located in the Bukhara region of Uzbekistan, is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture dating back to 1198. It stands 40 meters tall, though part of it is buried underground.

Built from terracotta bricks, wood, stones, and plaster, it rises gracefully with geometric patterns and turquoise mosaic accents adorning its top. This iconic structure once served as both a landmark for travelers and a call to prayer.

Today, it remains a testament to the golden age of Central Asia, captivating visitors with its slender silhouette and timeless charm.

Credits: Michèle Sibille Bossard (France)

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The Burana Tower, located in the Chüy Valley on the outskirts of Bishkek, is a minaret that forms part of the remains of the city of Balasagun (9th century). It is the setting for a legend reminiscent of Sleeping Beauty: a witch warned a king that his daughter would die when she turned eighteen, so the king built a tall tower to house his daughter. However, on her eighteenth birthday, a spider bit the young girl and she died as predicted. No Prince Charming here ….

Credits: Zoé Toulouse (France)

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The Emin minaret in Turpan, Xinjiang, China, is the tallest minaret in China with a 44 meters height. It was built in the late 18th century and has an unique rocket-like shape. Credit: Our Editorial

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The tiles decorating the Islam Khodja minaret in the Uzbek city of Khiva are reminiscent of the blue of the sky. Credit: Akbar Ibragimov (Uzbekistan)

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The minarets of the central street of Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang province of China. The left minaret is a pale replica of the famous Bukhara main minaret and is an observation tower, while the Mosque on the right is now a shopping mall. Credit: The Editorial

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The unfinished Kalta Minor minaret, seen here in the background, is considered one of the landmarks of the Uzbek city of Khiva. It has a diameter of about 14 metres and is covered with blue ceramic tiles. Photo: Akbar Ibragimov (Uzbekistan) Find all of our photos of the day here.

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Kalyan Minaret is a part of Po-i-Kalyan religious complex among the most famous landmarks of the historic center of Bukhara, a UNESCO WorldCredit: Konstantin Novaković (Serbia)Find all of our photos of the day here.

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