Kharaqan Towers

Also known as: Kharaqan Tomb Towers, Kharaghan towers, Kharrakhan, Kharaqan twin tomb towers, Gunbad-i Kharraqan

Dating back to Seljuk era, the towers have been built on the tombs of two prominent Seljuk figures: Abu Saeed Bijar, son of Sa’d; and Abu Mansour Iltay, son of Takin.

These towers are located at a distance of 1 km. from the Hesar Armani village, and within 32km of the Qazvin-Hamadan Road. Kharraqan towers are close to one another, though they are located in a vast vicinity. The eastern tower is octagonal with round pillars in the eight corners.

The plinth of the tower was repaired in 1968. The entire structure was constructed of bricks and was adorned. The said is the primary structure with a double crusted dome of the 5th century AH. Decorative frameworks of the internal segments of the arches has various designs and paintings.

In the entrance of the tower an inscription reveals the date of foundation as well as the architect's name being "Mohammad Ebne Mokr Zandjani Al Qobba" and in the year 460 AH. The western tower is an octagon too, with round columns, alike the eastern one. The outer part of the dome has a few prominent brick ledges.

The upper parts of the stem of the dome are adorned by beautiful geometrical designs. In the lower portion of which is a delicate and narrow inscription stating the date of construction and architect of the tower.

Both towers were significantly damaged by the 2002 Bou'in-Zahra earthquake. They were in a good state of preservation before the event, suggesting it was one of the most powerful quakes in the region for approximately 900 years.