Authorities in the Kurdistan Region have announced plans to renovate Erbil’s historic Choli Minaret, a 900-year-old architectural treasure. The restoration aims to preserve the landmark while enhancing its appeal to visitors.
Local engineers will lead the project with technical support from Czech experts who previously worked on the minaret. Their recent inspection identified necessary repairs to maintain the structure’s stability. Workers will fill cracks, replace fencing, and install security cameras around the site.
The tapered brick tower has stood since the 12th century under Sultan Muzaffar al-Din’s rule. Originally part of a grand mosque complex, only the minaret survived centuries of weathering and neglect. Its unique design features a seven-sided base transitioning to an octagonal shape, topped by a cylindrical spire decorated with ancient calligraphy.
Officials emphasized the renovation’s importance for cultural tourism. “This project will help attract more visitors to Erbil’s historical sites,” said the city’s antiquities director. The surrounding area already draws crowds to Minaret Park, where families gather near the ancient structure.
The minaret gained its “Choli” (desolate) nickname after the adjacent mosque collapsed centuries ago. While Iraq first designated it as a protected monument in 1935, this marks its most comprehensive restoration in decades.