The distinctive rectilinear plan of the old city of Herat and the surviving fabric of residential and commercial quarters make it unique in the region. It has undergone a dramatic transformation since 2002, largely as a result of uncontrolled construction. To address this, we undertook a series of surveys to track the rapid changes that continue to take place.

In parallel, we formulated appropriate plans for key neighbourhoods, in order to preserve the unique character of the old city. We supported an Old City Commission, comprising representatives of key institutions, to oversee urban development and upgrading within the confines of the historic quarter. This helped develop an awareness of the need to safeguard and strengthen official capacity to promote appropriate processes of development in the historic fabric.

In 2005, AKTC started mapping all property in the Old City of Herat. This took place in parallel with the conservation of five important historic houses and 17 public buildings, along with the provision of small-scale grants to more than 70 households. Support was provided for the conservation of two cisterns, several community mosques and private houses, as well as to upgrade the infrastructure in two quarters of the old city. This work alone generated more than 60,000 days of employment.

Based on surveys of living conditions, we invested in the repairs or reconstruction of 2,500 metres of drain and laid more than 4,000m² of stone paving in pedestrian alleyways. Along with the removal of solid and liquid waste, these measures benefited more than half the residents of the Old City.

With technical support from AKTC, an Old City Commission now oversees urban development and upgrading within the confines of the historic quarter. It also formulates neighbourhood plans and raises public awareness of the need for safeguarding in the Old City and beyond.

The grave of the 12th-century Sufi poet and scholar, Abdullah Ansari, in Gazorgah is one of the most important religious sites in the region. Situated in the courtyard of an important shrine complex dating from 1425 AD, Ansari’s grave remains an important focus for prayer and contemplation to this day.

In order to protect the distinctive decoration in the complex, we carried out repairs to all roofs. Access by visitors to the courtyard was enhanced by brick paving, discreet external lighting and replacing modern fittings. We documented and interpreted the decoration and dedications on the many historic graves that lie in the courtyard of the shrine. Parallel restoration work on the adjoining Namakdan Pavilion and Zarnegar Takiahana was completed.

AKTC’s urban conservation and development work received support from the governments of Germany, Norway, US, UK and Uzbekistan, as well as from the Prince Claus Fund (Netherlands) and the Open Society Institute.

The Fifth Minaret is one of two minarets (the other having collapsed in the late 19th-early 20th century) that flanked the Gowharshad Madrassa. It is part of an important ensemble of early 15th-century Timurid monuments located within the Musalla Complex. This was once adorned with 10 individual minarets varying in height up to 58 metres, five of which have since collapsed due to demolition, neglect and natural disaster. With the exception of the minarets, which largely remained intact throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the vast complex of buildings within the Musalla were intentionally demolished along with other historic areas by British-Afghan forces in order to clear defensive positions for an expected invasion of Herat by Russian-Iranian forces in 1885. While the invasion did not occur, the damage to Timurid heritage in Herat was irreversible.

The Fifth Minaret is in an advanced state of deterioration, tilting more than 3.8 degrees on its central axis towards the east. This was caused by extensive transformation in the environment of the site, including the demolition of the Madrassa complex to which the standing minaret was previously connected, the settlement of earth beneath the Fifth Minaret believed to have been due to flooding of the Enjil water channel, damage caused by prolonged conflict and the new road nearby.

Aga Khan Cultural Services, Afghanistan (AKCSA) has committed to providing urgent assistance towards permanently safeguarding the Fifth Minaret.

This project is undertaken with the financial support of the ALIPH Foundation and with a technical partner, Florence University Department of Architecture (DIDA).