Afghan world heritage site may collapse, officials warn

[smurfy]

[t]http://imgkk.com/i/k_j5.jpg[/t]

[url]http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-28969385[/url]
[quote]One of Afghanistan's architectural marvels, the minaret of Jam, is in danger of collapse, officials warn.

Centuries of neglect and frequent floods are threatening the 800-year-old structure in remote Ghor province.

The 65m (213-foot) monument - thought to be the world's second-tallest brick minaret - is already on the UN list of world heritage sites in danger.

But officials have told the BBC that there is not enough money to protect it and more flooding could bring it down.

The biggest threat to the Jam minaret is posed by its position in a river valley among high mountains.

Officials say that last year's floods caused major damage to the base.[/quote]

It's done pretty well considering:
[quote]no extensive restoration work has ever taken place since the minaret was built in 1194, according to Unesco, the UN's cultural organisation.[/quote]

[Zonesylvania]

I was disappointed there was no minaret of peanut butter to go along with the jam one.

[Midas22]

[QUOTE=Zonesylvania;45825941]I was disappointed there was no minaret of peanut butter to go along with the jam one.[/QUOTE]

A++ Dad joke

[smurfy]

The temptation to use a misleading title was strong with this one

[LVL FACTORY]

Well if it collapses they should rebuild one that looks the same but better

[Zonesylvania]

[QUOTE=LVL FACTORY;45826153]Well if it collapses they should rebuild one that looks the same but better[/QUOTE]

But it wouldn't be the same thing, and would have to specifically be mentioned as a reconstruction.

[skoinks]

[QUOTE=LVL FACTORY;45826153]Well if it collapses they should rebuild one that looks the same but better[/QUOTE]

What a great idea - why bother saving ANYTHING when you can just rebuild it?

[ignhelper]

I came in thinking the Taliban were gonna make it collapse.

[JennyC6]

Get out there, restore it, and put some barriers around it to help prevent further flood damage. It's a piece of history, dammit, don't let it crumble.

[skoinks]

[QUOTE=TestECull;45826634]Get out there, restore it, and put some barriers around it to help prevent further flood damage. It's a piece of history, dammit, don't let it crumble.[/QUOTE]

I don't think barriers would really help against an actual flood. I think they would have to do what they did with the tower of Pisa - inject concrete in the base and solidify the foundations.