SAEDNEWS: Anzali Clock Tower, also known as Anzali Minaret, with over 200 years of history, is not only a historic symbol of this port city but also older than London’s Big Ben—harboring within its walls a captivating tale of Iranian maritime heritage and architecture.
According to the History and Culture Service of Saed News, the Anzali Clock Tower, also known as the Anzali Minaret, is one of Iran’s oldest lighthouses and a historic symbol of the port city of Anzali. Standing in Anzali Square on Sepah Street, behind the Sepah Bazaar, the tower rises 28 meters high and features a 20-meter balcony, offering a breathtaking panorama of the city and the Caspian Sea.
📜 A Window into History
The tower’s construction dates back to 1194 in the Solar Hijri calendar (1815 CE), according to the travelogue of Khosrow Khan Gorji. Its original purpose was coastal surveillance and nighttime navigation—a lamp would shine atop the minaret, while guards kept watch from the tower, guiding vessels safely through the harbor channel.
🕰️ The Clock
In 1307 SH, following restoration, a four-sided clock imported from Germany was installed atop the tower. For years, the clock remained silent and nonfunctional until 1989 (1369 SH), when the municipality replaced the old mechanism with a modern electric clock, which still keeps time atop the tower today.
The tower’s body is built from brick, with openings designed for ventilation and natural light.
🏛️ A Spiraling Adventure
Visitors eager to reach the balcony must climb 54 spiral steps, offering an exhilarating experience for tourists and lovers of historical architecture. Remarkably, the Anzali Clock Tower predates London’s famous Big Ben by 41 years: while Big Ben was completed in 1856, the Anzali Minaret opened in 1815—adding a unique historical charm for architecture enthusiasts.
🌟 A Cultural Landmark
Registered as a historical monument in Gilan Province, the Anzali Clock Tower remains one of the city’s most important tourist attractions. Visitors can enjoy both its historic architecture and the stunning views of the Caspian Sea and cityscape.
With over two centuries of history, the tower is a testament to the architectural and engineering expertise of its era and holds significant potential for media coverage and tourism promotion, drawing both domestic and international travelers to this vibrant port city.
