Residents Warn Historic Begum Minaret in Ghazni Province at Risk of Collapse

Residents of Jaghatu district in Ghazni province report that the centuries-old Begum Minaret, also known locally as the Begum Dome, is at risk of collapse due to natural damage, ageing and years of neglect.

Locals estimate the structure dates back around a thousand years and has deteriorated significantly, calling for urgent restoration to prevent irreversible damage. They complain that authorities have failed to preserve historical sites in the area despite their cultural importance.

"If serious restoration work is not carried out, this historical structure could collapse due to erosion and years of neglect," said Abdul Raziq, a local resident.

Other residents urged the Taliban authorities to intervene, emphasizing that the monument is part of the national heritage. "Tourists sometimes come here and ask why this site has not been restored," said Sayed Amin. "This is a state responsibility. Without government attention, nothing can be done."

Abdul Wadud, another resident, stressed the need to preserve the site to prevent it from turning into ruins, describing the Begum Minaret as a symbol of the region's cultural identity.

The Taliban authorities have not publicly commented on plans to restore the monument.

The Begum Minaret is located in Ghazni province, a former major cultural and political center during the medieval Islamic period. The province hosts numerous historical sites from the Ghaznavid and Seljuk eras, many damaged by conflict, earthquakes, weather and lack of conservation. Afghanistan's historical heritage faces ongoing challenges from decades of war, limited funding and weak institutional capacity, with cultural experts repeatedly warning of risks to irreplaceable monuments.