TEHRAN -- Several buildings violating the perimeter of Iran’s Qabus Tower have been removed in order to meet the conditions for registering the 1000-year-old monument on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The decision has been made in the line with Iran’s plan to apply for registration of the monument, which is located in the city of Gonbad-e Kavus in Golestan Province.
The buildings had been constructed by a Gonbad-e Kavus electricity company and the Education Department of the city, Gonbad-e Kavus Governor Heidar-Ali Ahmadi told the Persian service of the Mehr News Agency on Saturday.
The 55-meter tower located on a 15-meter mound is the tomb of Zeyarid ruler Qabus ibn Voshmagir (reigned 978–1012).
It is considered the world’s tallest tower made of bricks.
The star-shaped tomb has been decorated with a Kufic inscription around it that reads, “In the name of God the beneficent, the merciful. This is the magnificent palace of Emir Shams-ul-Ma’ali. Emir son of Emir, Qabus son of Voshmagir who ordered that it be built during his lifetime. 397 A.H., 375 solar calendar.”
Experts have warned about the growth of weeds on the 1000-year-old monument in a report published by several Persian news agencies last October.
Proximity to the Caspian Sea results in high humidity in the region that causes growth of the plants on the tower.
The weeds grow in the gaps between the bricks and the growth of their roots further expands the gaps causing serious damage to the monument. The humidity has also causes saltpeter to accumulate on the interior walls.
The experts believe that the monument is in urgent need of restoration and the weeds must be removed immediately.
They have said that an in-depth study is necessary before attempting any restoration.
In addition, engraving on the bricks of the tower and writing graffiti on its walls have become a habit of Iranian tourists.
Photo: A family takes a rest at the foot of the Qabus Tower in Gonbad-e Kavus in an undated photo.