The Minaret at Jam stands alone in a remote valley surrounded by barren mountains. The Hari Rud river flows rapidly by the lonely tower, which was once surrounded by a great mosque at Firuz Koh. Built in the 12th century, it is the only well-preserved monument from the Ghorid period. It measures 65 meters (213 feet) tall and is accessable through a set of double sprial stairs that run from the octagonal base to the circular top. The tower is decorated with kufic calligraphy etched in stucco and accented with turquoise ceremics. Along the shaft are several balconies and at the top is a large lantern.The minaret was heavily damaged during the Soviet incursion and the Afghan civil war. It was probably not affected by the American campaign in late 2001.