Gonbad-e Qabus (tower)

Gonbad-e Qabus, also spelled Gonbad-e Qābus and sometimes referred to as Gonbad-i Qabus, is a monumental tomb tower located in Gonbad-e Qabus city, Golestan Province, in northern Iran. It was commissioned in 1006–7 CE by the Ziyarid ruler Qabus ibn Wushmgir as his own mausoleum.

The tower is a striking example of early Islamic architecture and stands as a testament to the architectural and engineering skills of the era. It is composed of a tall, cylindrical shaft built of unglazed fired bricks, surmounted by a conical roof. The tower rises to a height of approximately 72 meters (236 feet) from its base, making it one of the tallest brick towers in the world.

The exterior of the tower is decorated with ten triangular buttresses, which provide structural support and visual interest. Inscriptions in Kufic script run around the tower, commemorating Qabus ibn Wushmgir and the date of its construction.

The interior of the tower is largely empty, reflecting its purpose as a tomb. It is believed that Qabus ibn Wushmgir's body was interred within a glass coffin suspended from the ceiling. However, there is no definitive archaeological evidence to support this claim.

Gonbad-e Qabus is a significant cultural and historical landmark in Iran. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, recognized for its outstanding universal value as a masterpiece of human creative genius and an exceptional example of early Islamic architecture. It continues to attract visitors and scholars from around the world, serving as a reminder of the rich history and architectural heritage of the region.