The Minaret, The Valley, The Taliban

 


The Minaret of Jam. 

Image source: david adamec, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Minaret_of_jam_2009_ghor.jpg


Here is a sign of things to come. In a certain valley in Afghanistan, there is a little known cultural treasure, the Minaret of Jam. This is a magnificent brick structure, over two hundred feet tall, which was probably constructed around the year 1190 CE, probably by the Ghurid dynasty, probably to celebrate Islam’s victories in Central Asia. It is a graceful, lovely structure, which was rightfully designated a UNESCO world heritage site some years ago.


And, of course, under the Taliban, it is in danger.


The Minaret has suffered wind and weather damage. It is also subject to vandalism. (I’ve heard it said that local people covet its bricks for their own building projects.) Thus, the structure is in severe need of repair and of protection from the elements and perhaps from local people.


Under the former, US-backed government, there was some chance of that happening. There were even guards at the site to protect it from intruders.


The Taliban, however, seem to have very little interest in preserving the Minaret. They have withdrawn the guards, or at least allowed them to vanish. UNESCO has tried to work with the new government, but the Talibani don’t seem to be particularly interested. They do complain that UNESCO isn’t giving them enough money to repair the tower, but they also have not promised that any money they get from the UN agency will be spent on repairs for the tower rather than rifles for their Jihadists. 


So, the great tragedy is that the Minaret of Jam, this glorious piece of Islamic architecture and history, may fall…because of the indifference of a supposedly Islamic regime.


Still, the situation is instructive. We can see clearly now that the Taliban leadership really doesn’t give a damn about Islam. What they worship is power, violence, and themselves.  All the rest…?  Just so much window dressing.


But…there have been other towers in the world. Some of them have been proud … even arrogant, and sometimes cruel….


And they, also, fell.


It is something that the Taliban should keep very much in mind. 



~mjt



Sources: “In The Balance: Urgent Calls For Taliban, UNESCO To Safeguard Famed Minaret; Afghan experts say urgent action is needed to protect the famed Minaret of Jam after guards disappeared and critical damage became visible on the cultural treasure.” Gandhara, November 26, 2021, https://gandhara.rferl.org/a/taliban-unesco-minaret-of-jam/31576929.html



Copyright©2021 Michael Jay Tucker

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