Qorban Tower

Qorban Tower is one of the most remarkable historical monuments in the city of Hamadan. It stands in the Zandi neighborhood, between Chaharbagh-e Shahid Madani and Taleghani Street. Built of brick, with a twelve-sided body and an octagonal dome, the tower is a valuable example of middle-period Islamic architecture in Iran and is listed among Iran's National Heritage sites. The structure dates back to the 7th to 8th centuries AH (Hijri lunar). According to some local accounts, during the Afghan uprising in the Safavid era the building served as the stronghold of a man named "Qorban", who defended the local people against lawlessness; this is how it came to be known as "Qorban Tower".

Besides its striking architecture, Qorban Tower is the burial place of Sheikh al-Islam Hasan ibn Attar Hafez Abu al-Ala Hamadani and a number of Seljuk-era emirs. Although his family was of Arab origin, later generations of the family settled in Hamadan and were counted among the city's religious and cultural notables. The exterior of the tower is plain and is made of brick and sarooj (a traditional waterproof mortar). With its polygonal base and pyramid-shaped dome, it reflects the style of the funerary and memorial towers of the Islamic era found in some parts of Iran. During repairs in 1312 SH (Solar Hijri), a crypt was discovered beneath the tower, showing that all of the important graves mentioned above are located there. This discovery greatly increased the historical importance of the complex.

To visit Qorban Tower in Hamadan, simply head to the city center and make your way through the Zandi area toward Chaharbagh-e Shahid Madani and Taleghani Street. The tower is in an urban setting with easy access, and a visit can usually be combined with other historical attractions in Hamadan, such as the Tomb of Avicenna (Bu Ali Sina). It can be visited at any time of year, though tourists are more numerous in the milder seasons thanks to the pleasant weather. When visiting, respecting the monument and keeping the surroundings clean are part of the principles of responsible nature and cultural tourism.