The Choli Minaret, located in the southwest of Erbil’s Citadel, stands as one of the city’s most historic landmarks. With a height of 22 meters, it represents a significant piece of Erbil’s rich cultural heritage. The minaret has witnessed centuries of history, enduring numerous invasions and periods of neglect.
After the Mongol, Jalairi, Ilkhani, Turkmen, and Safavid attacks on Erbil, the area surrounding the Citadel, including the site of the minaret, was left in ruins. This resulted in the minaret being abandoned and forgotten for many years, leading to the name “Choli Minaret,” or the “Wilderness Minaret.” The site remained desolate until the early 20th century when the Iraqi government recognized its historical importance and officially designated it a protected site in 1935. In 1960, the Iraqi General Directorate of Antiquities began restoration efforts, establishing a council for the site and undertaking conservation work.
The minaret consists of two distinct parts: the base and the cylindrical upper section. The base, measuring 15 meters in length, features a unique 7-sided design, possibly intended to be octagonal but altered due to its proximity to a mosque wall. It has two doors, one facing west and the other east, each leading to a winding staircase that ascends to the top without intersecting. This design ensures that those ascending from one door cannot see the other until reaching the top. The base is constructed with bricks, arches, and closed windows, and it includes two decorative bands in X and W shapes.
The upper section of the minaret, the cylindrical part, stands 21 feet tall and is placed directly on top of the base. With a height of 22.10 meters, it was likely taller originally but may have collapsed due to weathering and lack of maintenance over time.
Today, the Choli Minaret remains an important symbol of Erbil’s enduring cultural heritage, standing resilient through centuries of war, neglect, and restoration.