Chehel Dokhtaran Minaret, 12th-century Seljuk minaret in Juybareh, Iran.
The Chehel Dokhtaran Minaret is a slender brick tower featuring elaborate geometric patterns and tile decorations across its surface. The structure displays typical Seljuk construction methods with handcrafted details made from brick, adobe, and traditional materials.
This tower was built in the 12th century during the Seljuk period and ranks among the oldest examples of its type in Iran. Over time it lost height but retained its key architectural characteristics and historical importance.
The name refers to a local legend about forty girls and reflects how people in the area have understood this tower for centuries. Visitors often hear different versions of the story from residents who have grown up around this landmark.
The minaret sits in a residential neighborhood with narrow streets that require careful navigation to reach it easily. Best explored during daylight hours when the surroundings are visible and the area is active.
This tower has a window precisely oriented toward the prayer direction, a detail rarely seen in other similar structures across the region. This thoughtful design choice shows how the builder incorporated religious purpose into the physical structure.
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