Al-Muqadah Minaret: A landmark for caravans in the Karbala desert

 

Karbala is rich in many important archaeological monuments that date back to different historical eras, and deep in the Karbala desert, 40 km from the city center on the road leading to Ayn al-Tamur district, situates a historical and archaeological monument called the al-Muqadah or al-Mujaddah Minaret.

The origin of its name ‘al-Muqadah’, which means fireplace in Arabic, comes from it being used a beacon to guide the convoys between the Levant and the Hijaz at that time, passing through al-Hirah in central Iraq.

According to historical sources, the history of the minaret goes back to the ninth century AD and it is linked to Khan al-Atshan, which is located 21 km east of it, as they were built in the same time period during the Abbasid era. It is noticeable that the method of building the tower is in the Islamic style, as it is evident in the ancient Islamic architecture found in its upper parts.

Al-Muqadah Minaret was built of bricks and plaster in a cylindrical shape with a square base, with a height of 9 meters, decorated with semicircular arches on each side. In the center, there is a spiral staircase leading to the top of the minaret, where there are eight windows facing all directions.

This historical and archaeological landmark still stands tall and strong despite the challenges of environmental and weather conditions, as well as the neglect of the concerned authorities.

 

By: Salam al-Taee