The Herat Department of Information and Culture said that the work on the second phase of restoration and stabilization of the Fifth Minaret has been started by the Aga Khan Foundation.

The work on the first part of this minaret, which was in a state of collapse, has been carried out over the past two years.

The Fifth Minaret of Herat, which has been maintained by a metal structure for more than two years, is expected to stand on its own after the stabilization work.

"The Fifth Minaret of Herat is located in the corner of the Gawharshad Begum Madrasa, connected to two walls, and now they want to restore those walls and remove the side bars around the minaret so that it remains stable in its place," Raqibullah Rezwani, the director of protection of historical monuments at the Herat Department of Information and Culture, told TOLOnews.

According to engineers of historical monuments, the fifth minaret of Herat has remarkably not been damaged in the earthquakes of recent months.

In the second phase of the restoration and stabilization of this minaret, there is a plan to construct two bases next to the minaret to prevent it from shifting or overturning.

"Around the minaret, a retaining wall will be formed at a height of 25 meters from two directions, and cables will be placed inside it. Inside the minaret, a circular metal structure will be built, which will be connected to these walls and prevent further movement," said Hamidullah Wahabzada, engineer of the restoration project of the Fifth Minaret of Herat.

The Fifth minaret of Herat was severely damaged during wars and natural incidents in past decades and has moved nearly two meters.
"There is confidence that this minaret will not tilt anymore. This minaret is a symbol of the culture and art of the people of Afghanistan," said Seddiq Mir, a historical analyst.

The Fifth Minaret of Herat, located near four other minarets in the Musalla complex of Herat, near the tomb of Gawharshad Begum, has been maintained by cables for nearly two decades due to its leaning.