Kutlug-Timur Minaret

The Kutlug-Timur Minaret is the tallest medieval building in Central Asia and the main attraction of Kunya-Urgench. However, the exact date of the minaret's construction remains unknown, and scholars continue to debate its origins.

Some experts believe that Kutlug-Timur, the Khorezm governor and son-in-law of the Uzbek Khan (ruler of the Golden Horde), commissioned this impressive structure. Others suggest that the foundations were laid as early as the 11th century and that Kutlug-Timur oversaw its completion between 1320 and 1330, when he ruled Kunya-Urgench and the surrounding area. The names of Kutlug-Timur and Uzbek Khan, written in Kufic Arabic, are still visible on the wall of the minaret.

Built of fired bricks, the minaret is 12 metres wide at the base and narrows to 2 metres at the top. Although there is some disagreement about its height - sources say it is either 60 or 62 metres - it remains an awe-inspiring structure. To call the faithful to prayer, muezzins had to climb 145 steps inside the tower. An unusual feature of the minaret is its slight tilt at the top, probably caused by an earthquake or fire. Despite this imperfection, the Kutlug-Timur Minaret is considered an exceptional achievement in Khorezmian architecture. Its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List further underlines its cultural and historical significance.