(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) By Mukhlis Khoshnaw
IRBIL, Oct 14 (KUNA) -- Standing the test of time, the 12th-century Mudhafaria Minaret in the Iraqi city of Irbil is considered one of the important Islamic architectural structures in the Kurdistan region.
Muzaffar Al-Din ABu Sa'eed Al-Kawkaboori -- an in law of the famed Islamic military commander and then Sultan of Egypt and Syria, Salah ad-Din Yusuf Al-Ayyubi -- built the structure, which originally stood at 45 meters.
Speaking to KUNA on the historical significance of the monument, former head of Irbil's archaeological department Kan'an Al-Mufti said that the cylindrical-shaped minaret was built next to a mosque, which remnants disappeared through time.
According to legend, the minaret stood the test of time due to the involvement of two competing architects.
Inside the minaret, there are two opposing staircases said to be design by the said architects, which in turn proved to be one of the important designs that helped to stabilize the minaret throughout the centuries.
In 2006 and onwards, the government in the region took care of the area next to the minaret, turning the nearby vicinity to a public place and garden.
Meanwhile, on the actual function of the minaret, archaeological researcher Sherazad Sheikh Mohammad said that the structure was constructed mainly to monitor the sky, determining when important occasions like Eid and Ramadan will fall.
He added that the minaret, which was originally 45 meters tall before thunder struck the top level of the structure, was also used for defensive purposes warning people of coming armies and threats.
On his part, journalist Abdullah Abdulrahman said that the minaret was a national treasure that required protection from natural and physical harm.
He noted that the minaret attracted tourists, especially from Europe, who are keen to visit the ancient structure for a chance to get a glimpse of it and a photo. (end) sbr.gta
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