Ali Abad Tower

The Ali Abad Tower of Kashmar, also known as the Kashmar Tower and the Ali Abad Tomb Tower, is one of the most distinctive historical monuments in Razavi Khorasan Province. It stands in the village of Ali Abad Kashmar, in Bardaskan County. This valuable tower dates to the 7th century AH (lunar Hijri). It was registered on the Iran National Heritage List on 15 Dey 1310 (Solar Hijri) under number 127. The tower was built on the remains of an ancient fortress called "Kooshk", and the history of the site goes back to the Parthian era. Its location on the historic route linking central Iran with Nishapur adds further to the historical and cultural importance of the monument.

At a height of about 18 metres, the Ali Abad Tower is regarded as an outstanding example of Iranian tomb-tower architecture, and its architectural style closely resembles that of the Radkan Tower. Its main architectural features are a twelve-sided base, a body with 48 brick flutes, a double-shell conical dome, a spiral staircase between the two shells, interior light wells, and fine brickwork decoration with turquoise tiles. The interior has three storeys, arched alcoves, muqarnas work and a skullcap-shaped dome, which reflect the skill of Iranian architects in the late Seljuk and early Ilkhanid periods. Besides its architectural value, the tower is linked to historical accounts of Kashmar and the legendary Cypress of Kashmar, and it holds a special place in the historical memory of the region.

To visit the Ali Abad Tower, take the Bardaskan–Khalilabad road from the city of Bardaskan. After about 5 kilometres you will reach the village of Ali Abad Kashmar, where the tower stands in the centre of the village. The best times to visit this historical monument are spring and autumn, when the weather is milder and you can combine your visit with a stroll through the village and other historical attractions nearby. During your visit, please do not touch or damage the brickwork and decorations, do not write graffiti on the walls, and do not enter vulnerable areas, so that this valuable monument is preserved for future generations.