SHAHRAK, Afghanistan, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- In the wake of the destruction of the world-renowned Great Buddhas in central Afghanistan's Bamiyan province, concerns are mounting over the fate of Afghanistan's other UNESCO-listed heritage, the Minaret of Jam. It is now facing severe threats from natural disasters, particularly the torrential floods this year.

The Minaret of Jam, along with its archaeological remains, was inscribed on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2002. According to the organization, at 1,900 meters above sea level and far from any town, the 65m-tall minaret dates back to the 12th century.

In May, a huge flood, which locals described as "unprecedented in a century," hit the Ghor province, causing at least 50 deaths, destroying farmlands and houses and submerging the bottom of the ancient monument, which stands near the Hari River. For decades, earthquakes and floods have been heightening the risk of erosion and potential collapse of the minaret if preventive measures are not taken.

"The flooding has damaged the minaret, with two meters of the monument being submerged under water (when the flood came)," Israel Haidari, the director of cultural affairs at Ghor's information and culture department, told Xinhua.

Haidari said that following a recent communication with the Ministry of Information and Culture in Kabul, a UNESCO team visited the site and has commenced efforts to clear the debris around the minaret.

In a recent statement, the ministry reiterated the importance of safeguarding the minaret. Ghor's provincial director for information and culture, Abdul Hai Zaim, confirmed the completion of the clearing work of rocks and other debris brought by floods around the monument and emphasized the need for additional protective walls to ensure its preservation.

"Flash floods threatened the Jam Minaret in 2016 and again in 2024, meaning twice," Haidari recalled.

Despite these challenges, Haidari remained hopeful, stating, "Our plan is to protect the Minaret of Jam by constructing protective walls to shield the monument from future floods."

As a reminder of the nation's rich cultural history, the Minaret of Jam not only serves as a significant cultural site but also contributes to the local economy.

"Last year, around 200 to 250 tourists, including foreigners, visited the Minaret of Jam, and before the floods hit the area this year, we received 73 to 74 foreign nationals among the visitors," Haidari said.

"The people from Ghor and other provinces visited the site of the Minaret of Jam and, after spending one or two nights in the area, returned to their homes," he added.

UNESCO, according to Haidari, plans to construct a protective wall around the minaret, build a bridge over the river and establish a new guesthouse, as the old one was washed away by floods.

Local residents also see potential in developing the area around the minaret to boost tourism. They believe that building facilities such as hotels, recreational parks and guesthouses, along with renovating historical sites and beautifying the area, could attract more visitors.

"The Minaret of Jam attracts many tourists, and I believe their visits could help rebuild the country, highlighting the poverty and rugged roads in the area," said Ghulam Rabbani Hadafmand, a local tourist. Enditem

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