CIVILISATIONS TIMELINE
☼ Prehistoric :(100000 BCE - 3000 BCE)
- Darra-e Kor Cave
- Dasht-e Nawur
- Shahr-e Sokhta
☼ Ariana :(3500 BCE - 1500 BCE)
- The ancient city of Balkh
- Naw-Bahar Temple of Balkh
☼ Indus Valley :(3300 BCE - 1300 BCE)
- Silver Valley
☼ Helmand :(3200 BCE - 1800 BCE)
- Mundigak
☼ Oxus (BMAC) :(2300 BCE - 1700 BCE)
- Gonur Tepe
- Ikhtiyaruddin Fortress
☼ Achaemenid :(550 BCE - 330 BCE)
☼ Greco-Bactrian :(250 BCE - 125 BCE)
- Gazargah
☼ Gandhara :(0 CE - 400 CE)
- Top Dara
☼ Kushan :(30 CE - 375 CE)
- The city of Zahak
- Sang-e-Masjid Stupa
-
- Maranjan Hill
- Tangi Darunta
☼ Sassanian Empire :(224 CE - 651 CE)
☼ Hephthalites :(400 CE - 500 CE)
☼ Islamic Caliphate :(600 CE - 800 CE)
- Maranjan Hill of Mazaresharif
- The Tower of Ayyaran in Balkh
- Nawbahar Hill
☼ Samanid dynasty :(819 CE - 999 CE)
☼ Tahirid dynasty :(821 CE - 873 CE)
☼ Saffarid dynasty :(861 CE - 1003 CE)
☼ Ghurid Empire :(879 CE - 1215 CE)
- Gholghola City
- Minaret of Jam
- Great Mosque of Herat
- Ghoryan Fortress
☼ Ghaznavid Empire :(971 CE - 1186 CE)
☼ Delhi Sultanate :(1206 CE - 1526 CE)
☼ Timurid dynasty :(1220 CE - 1500 CE)
- Khwaja Nasr Parsa Mosque
- Babur's Garden
- Herat Citadel
- The minarets of Herat
☼ Mughol dynasty :(1526 CE - 1858 CE)
- Citadel of Kabul
- Chehelston Garden
☼ Durrani empire :(1747 CE - 1826 CE)
☼ Barekzai dynasty :(1826 CE - 1929 CE)
- Bagh-e-Zanana (Women's Garden)
☼ Mohamadzai dynasty :(1929 CE - 1978 CE)
☼ Present :(1929 CE - 2025 CE)

The Tower of Ayyaran in Balkh

Registration :
REG-2d6b608ef67a4063
Name of the site:
The Tower of Ayyaran in Balkh
Site type :
tower
Location :
Balkh، Balkh
Discovery date :
01 January 1920
Discovered by:
Civilisation Era:
Islamic Caliphate 600 CE - 800 CE :
Archaeological Era :
Historical Era, Post-Classical Age
Historical Era :
Islamic Period
Researcher:
Sidiq Wafa
Last update :
01 January 1920

1- Exact Geographical Location

The Tower of Ayyaran is located in the city of Balkh, near the ancient historical remains of this city. This tower is considered one of the ancient symbols of Balkh and is situated among the architectural remnants of both Islamic and pre-Islamic periods in the region.

2- Latitude and Longitude Coordinates

The Tower of Ayyaran is positioned at 36.7575° N latitude and 66.8987° E longitude.

3- Historical Background

This tower is attributed to the Islamic period after the conquest of Balkh. Some researchers date it back to the 8th century CE, while others believe it was constructed in the 12th century CE, during the Seljuk period.

The name "Ayyaran" in the history of Balkh refers to chivalrous warriors and local defenders, who played a crucial role in the city's history. The Tower of Ayyaran was likely built as a watchtower and strategic defense point for the protection of the city.

4- Architectural Features

The Tower of Ayyaran has a tall cylindrical structure, built using baked bricks and stone. The tower features decorative brickwork and historical inscriptions, reflecting Islamic and Khorasani architectural styles.

Its design suggests that it was constructed for surveillance and defense purposes, with a structure engineered to withstand earthquakes and enemy attacks.

5- Cultural Significance

The Tower of Ayyaran is regarded as a symbol of pride for Balkh, representing the historical and cultural role of the city during the Islamic and pre-Islamic eras.

This tower is not only a part of Afghanistan’s architectural heritage, but it also embodies the bravery, chivalry, and cultural identity of the Ayyaran of Balkh throughout different historical periods.

6- Discoverer and Year of Discovery

The Tower of Ayyaran has remained in the historical memory of Balkh’s people for centuries and has always been recognized. However, scientific and documented studies on the tower began in the early 20th century CE by local and foreign archaeologists.

In recent years, efforts have been made to restore and preserve this historical monument, ensuring that this valuable heritage is safeguarded for future generations.

The Tower of Ayyaran in Balkh is not just an ancient structure, but a symbol of Afghanistan’s glorious history, which should be regarded as one of the national treasures of this land.

Images / Maps credits:
  1. https://www.facebook.com/Mundigakdarii?locale=hy_AM