Minarets of Ghazni

Ghazni, Afghanistan

Twin star-shaped minarets from the Ghaznavid era, among the most important architectural remains in Afghanistan and evidence of the dynasty's sophisticated building culture.

Historical Context

The Ghaznavid Empire (977–1186 CE), centered in eastern Afghanistan, was famous for its patronage of Persian literature (the poet Firdawsi composed the Shahnameh at the Ghaznavid court) and for its military campaigns into the Indian subcontinent under Sultan Mahmud.