Toghrol Tower
12th-century monument in Rey, Iran
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Toghrol Tower (Persian: برج طغرل; also transliterated Toghrul, Tughrol, or Tughrul) is a 12th-century monument, located in the city of Rey, Tehran province, Iran. Tuğrul Tower is near Rashkan Castle.
| Toghrol Tower | |
|---|---|
 View of the tower from the north | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Islam |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | In ruins |
| Location | |
| Location | Rey, Iran |
 Interactive map of Toghrol Tower | |
| Coordinates | 35°36′2.37″N 51°26′44.32″E |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 11 m (36 ft) |
| Width | 16 m (52 ft) |
| Height (max) | 20 m (66 ft) |
| Dome height (outer) | More than 20 m |
The 20-metre-tall (66 ft) brick tower is the tomb of Seljuk ruler Tughril I, who died in Rey in 1063. Originally, like other monuments of its time, it was capped by a conical dome (گنبد, gonbad), which collapsed during an earthquake.[when?]
The thickness of the walls varies from 1.75 to 2.75 m (5.7 to 9.0 ft). The inner and outer diameters are 11 and 16 m (36 and 52 ft), respectively. The exterior shape is that of a polygon with 24 angles in its design, which is thought to contribute to the structure's stability against tremors. At the top of the tower, Kufic inscriptions were originally observable.
The tower is protected by Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization.
Historically identified in several texts as Burj Khalifa Yazid, this structure is hypothesised by various specialists to function as a monumental sundial. It is suggested that the tower operates similarly to a clock pointer, where the precise time of day is determined by observing the movement of sunlight across its crenellations. This architectural design allows for the tracking of temporal progression through the interplay of light and shadow against the building's geometric projections. In terms of scale, the structure reaches a height of approximately 18 metres, providing a substantial vertical axis for solar measurement.[1] The mathematical precision required for such a function reflects the sophisticated understanding of gnomonics prevalent during the period of its construction.[2]
History
Historically, Toghrol Tower served as a multi-functional beacon and chronometer situated along the Silk Road. On nights obscured by fog, fires were ignited atop its high parapet to guide travellers journeying from Khorasan towards Rey. Beyond its role as a navigational landmark, the structure fulfilled the daily chronological requirements of the local population. Manouchehr Arian, in his research titled "Another Look at the Towers", suggests that the designation of "tower" for this and similar edifices relates to the solar transition through the zodiacal houses throughout the year.[3]
Complementing its astronomical significance, the building incorporates a sophisticated sundial integrated into its external design. This functional feature is embedded within the 24 triangular points of its perimeter, which allow observers to determine the time of day based on the movement of shadows across the brickwork.[4]
The structural integrity of the tower was preserved in 1884 when Naser al-Din Shah Qajar commissioned extensive restorations to the upper sections, which were at risk of total collapse at the time.[5]
Burial dispute
Significant historical debate surrounds the identity of the individual interred within this structure, as various scholars and historians offer competing theories regarding its origin. A prominent school of thought identifies the monument as the tomb of the Seljuk founder, Tughril Beg. This is supported by the historical text Majmal al-tawarikh, which states that the Sultan died in the city of Ray and was buried there,[6] a view shared by the historian Faruk Sümer. Conversely, other writers suggest the tower is a 15th-century funerary site for Khalil Sultan, the grandson of Timur, and his wife, Shad al-Mulk. In the volume Ray-e Baastan (Ancient Ray), author Hossein Karimiyan notes that certain researchers attribute the monument to the Buyid ruler Fakhr al-Dawla instead.[7]
A further perspective was championed by Mohammad Mohit Tabatabai, who argued the building belonged to the mystic Ibrahim al-Khawass. Tabatabai’s personal conviction was such that he was buried adjacent to the 20-metre brick structure upon his death in 1992. Despite these varying attributions, the tower remains a definitive example of medieval Islamic architecture, though the absence of original inscriptions ensures the debate continues amongst contemporary archaeologists.
Decline and restoration
Toghrol Tower underwent its first major renovation in 1884, marking the 35th year of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar's reign. Executed under the direct authority of the Shah, the project was managed by Chancellor Amin al-Sultan and overseen by the architect Abul Hassan Khan Memarbashi. During this period, marble plaques were installed above the building's entrance. While this structural intervention prevented the immediate collapse of the tower, it has been criticised for compromising the building's original aesthetic integrity and resulting in the loss of its historic Kufic inscriptions.[8]
Following the 1979 Revolution, the site remained largely neglected until the early 1990s. Comprehensive restoration efforts commenced in mid-1998 and concluded in the winter of 2000. Currently, the Tehran Municipality (District 20) is managing an expansive redevelopment project covering an area of 20,000 square metres (2 hectares). This initiative aims to transform the surrounding grounds into a significant cultural complex, incorporating a library, museum, and restaurant facilities.[9]
Gallery
Detail of brickwork of upper sections. The Seljuk style is readily observable.
Portal and interior
The entrance to the building with a historical inscription
View of the sky from inside the building
