The 15th century built Orphan Minaret of the Kazimayn Shrine in Baghdad was the oldest of shrine minarets and dated from the initial construction of the shrine by Shah Ismail Safavid in the year 1508. Over hundreds of years it had developed a slight tilt, as many towers of its age do. Between 2019 to 2022 it underwent claimed structural repairs. The minaret’s original upper shaft that was built from traditional masonry construction was demolished and rebuilt from concrete in this project. Photos show that while originally the lower shaft and upper shaft shared the same tilted slope, the new upper shaft stands 90° while the lower shaft retains the same tilt it previously did. This has resulted in the minaret now having a slightly awkward bowed appearance after reconstruction of the upper shaft. The technical implications of this odd decision could further complicate the minarets future, as the original upper shaft had tilted together with the lower shaft it’s weight distribution was evenly spread on the lower shaft, with the new upper shaft built 90° it is now at a different angle than the lower shaft and it’s weight will be heavier distributed on one side of the lower shaft than the other- possible resulting in fracturing of the masonry structure of the lower shaft in the future.

Aside from these technical concerns, the project resulted in severe destruction of this precious historic monument’s integrity. Safavid era bana-I brickwork, Qajar era tile muqarnas and gold plates were recklessly destroyed and replaced as part of this project.

While the damage has now unfortunately been done, this is a reminder of the careless and botched “restorations” and “maintenance” projects the administrations of these shrines are inflicting upon these precious historic cultural and sacred monuments, and the urgent need to prevent them from further occurring.