Seh Gonbad Tower, 12th-century mausoleum tower in Urmia, Iran.
Seh Gonbad Tower is a cylindrical structure in Urmia that rises 13 meters high with a 5-meter diameter. It was built from brick, stone, and mortar using the construction techniques typical of the Seljuk period, with carefully laid masonry throughout.
The tower was built in 1184 during the Seljuk Dynasty and displays stone inscriptions in Kufic script at its entrance. These inscriptions document important dates from that period of rule and represent the written practices of the era.
The tower stands as a place where visitors can observe medieval Persian burial customs directly. The way the space is arranged shows how important monumental architecture was for honoring departed rulers.
The site is easily reached on foot and the two interior levels are relatively simple to access. Visitors should note that the upper tomb chamber is reached through a low doorway and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
The name Seh Gonbad comes from the Persian word for three domes, suggesting that multiple structures originally surrounded the central tower. Over time these companion buildings disappeared, leaving the tower standing alone and notably prominent today.
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