Burj-i Mehmandust: Exploring Semnan’s Hidden Gem

Burj-i Mehmandust, a relic from the Seljuk dynasty, was constructed in 1097 during the reign of Ahmed Sanjar. This historic monument was officially registered as a national heritage site of Iran on March 3, 1937.

The tower bears striking similarities to the Tuqrol Tower in the city of Rey, including comparable dates and architectural styles. While Tuqrol Tower, made of brick, serves as the tomb of the Seljuk ruler Tugrul Beg, Burj-i Mehmandust stands as a testament to Seljuk architectural ingenuity.

Rising to approximately twelve meters, Burj-i Mehmandust is built from brick and Sarooj, a water-resistant mortar. Its cylindrical structure features twelve angles, one of which houses tall blind arches adorned with intricate Muqarnas decorations—a hallmark of Islamic architecture.

Though the tower’s main dome has been destroyed, its remaining structure reaches about fourteen meters today. The upper section of the tower is decorated with two wall inscriptions: one in Kufic script and the other in Bannai script. Three tombstones rest in the tower’s center—one made of brick, the other two of stone.

The precision of the construction is remarkable; even from the base, the finely ornamented cornices are visible. The decorative edges were crafted by cutting bricks into sharp or curved forms, almost sculptural in appearance.

In 2017, Burj-i Mehmandust underwent extensive restoration under the supervision of the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization of Iran. The work included repointing, relocation, and cleaning of its bricks, ensuring that this Seljuk treasure continues to endure for future generations.