Kharraqan towers
The Kharaghan - grave towers (also Kharāghān, English Kharraqan towers, Persian خراقان, DMG Ḫarāqān ) are Seljuk grave towers ( gonbad ) from the 11th century. They are located in the province of Qazvin near the village Hesar -e Armani, about 30 km west of Ab -i - Gharm along the line and in the catchment area of the northern Iranian city of Qazvin and Hamadan.
The towers are the architect Muhammad bin Makki al - Zanjani and Abu'l- Ma'ali ibn Makki al - Zanjani go back. As far as this association is at all accurate, the latter the brother or son of Muhammad al - Makki could 'm Zanjani have been.
Discovery history
Both tower tombs were known to the international public until late. In the spring of 1965, namely she made the Scottish, dealt with Iranological archeology, then head of the " British Institute of Persian Studies" David Stronach together with its companion T. Culyer Young of the Royal Ontario Museum, during a study tour of West Persia, the more recent historical research known. The trip was to explore Median and Achaemenid traces. The works shall be considered as a significant cultural and historical discoveries in Iran in the recent period, as it is each to the earliest double-dome structures in Iranian architectural history. Particularly impressive was also the exceptionally good condition at the time of discovery.
The biggest mystery since then give to the many inscriptions that allow no uniqueness of detained respect to the assignment names according to their significance for the construction and / or burial. But that will be also attributed to the fact that the (possibly incorrect ) grammar and shortened factual information reproduction ( previous knowledge is simply assumed ) currently inadequate access to the texts provide ( obscurity ).
Architecture of the system
In the grave towers are 15 m high brick that from the year 1093 (western tower) and 1067-1068 ( east tower) originate. The bases of the towers are each octagonal. At the corners of the octagonal masonry circular columns are arranged as pillars, which are largely free. Loosening learn the wall surfaces between the columns by ogival arcades. Over one hundred decorative patterns characterize the view of the overall ensemble. A Ziegelflechtwerk sets from the dome zone from the substructure. Below the Ziegelflechtwerks turn includes kufisches inscription frieze from the level of the apex of the pointed arches. The partly religious, partly historical inscriptions leave, who was buried in the towers. It can only be assumed that it has acted to senior Seljuk prince nobility. Both the blind arcades, as well as the columns and the segments of the Ziegelflechtwerks have different ornaments.
The turrets are double-glazed and are considered the earliest of its kind in the Iranian architecture. The inner half-shell forms the ceiling of the tombalen interior construction. A gap aussparend to about a hemispherical also further shell that emits visible from the outside ball roof building. In the east tower lead two spiral staircases - in the west tower one - in this narrow space between the shells, which is accessible through low doors from inside the grave chamber.
The western tower has a mihrab.
In the eastern tower well preserved wall paintings and frescoes are available. An illustration example shows a mosque lamp, which should redound according to an inscription for the blessing of its owner.
Earthquake in 2002
Like many areas in Iran is the province of Qazvin earthquake-prone, and therefore arose because of an earthquake in June 2002 extensive damage to the grave towers. Quick initiated restoration work on the buildings were able to prevent the decline though, the ornaments have since partially but irreversibly destroyed.