Toghrol Tower, Rey

🕰️When was it built?

The tower survives from the Seljuk period and has been restored several times. One restoration was carried out in 1301 AH (1883–84) on the orders of Naser al-Din Shah. In recent times it was rebuilt between 1998 and 2000 and restored again in 2023.

🏛️What was it built for?

The building is known as a tomb tower, but there is no agreement about who is buried in it. Some believe it is the tomb of Tughril Beg, and other views have been put forward too. It is said that in the past a fire was lit on top of the tower to guide travellers.

👀What you will see

• Twenty-four pointed flanges run around the outer wall and cast changing shadows as the sun moves.
• The surviving body is about twenty metres high; don't expect to see the old conical roof on top.
• The tower's doorways face north and south, and their direction matters in explanations of how sunlight falls on it.
• The marble tablet above the entrance is a reminder of the restoration under Naser al-Din Shah, done to save the building from ruin.

💡Something interesting

One interesting view holds that the flanges worked as a kind of sundial, linking the changing light on them to the passing of time. It is not certain, but it makes watching the light and shadow on the wall one of the pleasures of a visit.

🎒Good to know before you go

• To see the shadows of the flanges, go in daylight and walk all the way around the outside of the tower.