Mudhafaria Minaret, Medieval Islamic minaret in Minare Park, Erbil, Iraq.
The Mudhafaria Minaret is a cylindrical structure standing approximately 36 meters tall with an octagonal base and decorated with intricate brick patterns across its surface. Multiple band-like sections run around the shaft, breaking up the vertical lines and adding visual interest to the tower.
Construction of the minaret took place between 1190 and 1232 under Prince Muzaffar Al-Din Abu Saeed Al-Kawkaboori, who ruled during Saladin's era. This tower reflects the architectural development of northern Iraq under Turkmen leadership at that time.
The inscriptions visible on the walls display Kufi script that honors the builders and reflects the artistic standards of medieval Islamic craftsmanship.
Entry to the interior is through a door on the eastern side of the base, which leads to an internal staircase system with two separate passages. The dual-entrance design allows visitors to climb up one route and descend by another.
The minaret contains a double helix staircase system where the two separate entrances on the east and west sides allow visitors to ascend by one route and descend by another. This ingenious design made it possible for multiple people to move through the tower without meeting on the stairs.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
