In Khom province, located in central Iran, a group of ancient structures known as Meel is scattered among the mountains, plains, and old trade routes. These freestanding lighthouse towers once served to navigate travelers and caravans, offering a unique insight into the history of movement and communication in the region.
These buildings are often situated on elevated areas overlooking old roads and passes and belong to the lesser-known heritage sites of Khom. Their location, architecture, and connection to ancient routes can make them attractive destinations for travelers, historians, architects, and lovers of Iranian cultural heritage.
Historian and researcher Hossein Sadeghi told ISNA that Khom is distinguished by a relatively high concentration of historical Meels distributed across various parts of the province. Along existing roads, the distance between some of them is estimated to be about 50 kilometers.
The term Meel historically referred to a freestanding tower or lighting fixture. Such towers were built near important paths and routes, especially before and during the Islamic era, to help travelers and caravans navigate the complex terrain. Traditionally, a fire was lit on the upper levels, allowing people to determine their route in darkness or fog.
Unlike minarets attached to mosques or other religious buildings, these structures were originally independent. According to Sadeghi, their functions included not only guiding travelers but also communication and signaling. However, some complex architectural elements have led researchers to consider additional tasks for some specimens.
Most surviving historical Meels in Iran date from the fourth to sixth centuries of the Hijra, although there are examples dating back to earlier periods. Many of them were equipped with stairs leading to the upper levels, with some having separate spiral staircases.
Aliabad Meel
The stone structure of the Meel in Aliabad is located approximately 50 kilometers from the Khom-Tehran road, near the historic stone castle of Aliabad. Built on an elevated hill, it is believed to have served as a landmark for caravans.
The tower is about 11 meters high and has an arched entrance approximately 1.5 meters wide. Spiral stairs lead to the top. Stone and sarudzh, a traditional Iranian waterproof mortar, were used in the construction. At a height of about three meters, rows resembling reed pipes are visible in the structure. Sadeghi suggests they might have been included to reduce the impact of ground vibration. The cylindrical structure has a base diameter of about 4.33 meters. Its connection to a nearby Seljuk-era caravanserai and its style allowed researchers to attribute it to the Seljuk period.
Imamzadeh Abdullah Meel
Another historical lighthouse is located outside the city of Khom, along the old Khom-Isfahan route, near the village of Cheshmeh Ali. Situated on a high point, this structure is conical in shape and was once accompanied by a protective enclosure, of which only the walls remain.
The Meel reaches a height of about 6.4 meters and has a base diameter of approximately 5.5 meters. Its exterior is built from rubble and gypsum mortar. The structure rises approximately 200 meters above the surrounding plain. Its shape and construction indicate that it belongs to the Seljuk period.
Babak Meel
Babak Meel occupies one of the highest peaks of the northern mountain range with a view of the valley. A clear view of the surrounding valleys can be seen from the tower. Only the northern part of the tower, about 3.7 meters high, remains. Its appearance consists of rubble and gypsum, as well as sarudzh mortar.
Chahak Meel
Chahak Meel is located in the Khalajestan area, east of Chahak village and north of the Vezva River, on an elevation overlooking the surrounding plain. Ceramics from both Sasanian and Islamic periods have been found in this area. Its masonry and architectural form were compared to the Sasanian chahar-taks era, leading to its attribution to the Sasanian period. The remaining structure reaches a height of about 4.6 meters at its highest point and has a base diameter of approximately 5.1 meters. Its exterior is round, and the interior space has a cruciform plan, reminiscent of Sasanian chahar-taks, or four-bay structures.
Shahrestan Meel
Shahrestan Meel is located in central Khom province and is attributed to the Sasanian period; it is presumed to have been within the ancient settlement known as Shahrestan. This area, now called Mazra'e Shahrestan, was presumably a fortified site in antiquity and was a village by the fourth century of the Hijra. The tower has suffered severe erosion and now resembles a conical structure. It is about 7.5 meters high and built from adobe bricks.
Safarali Meel
Safarali Meel stands on a mountain opposite Mount Sepor-e Rostam, west of Kaj village. This site offers an extensive view of the surrounding settlements and plains. The structure is about 6.8 meters high, with a base diameter of approximately seven meters. Its exterior is made of rubble and sarudzh, and the interior space was constructed without mortar. Most of the interior is filled with rubble, while a circular chamber is preserved above it. The chamber has a floor diameter of about 3.45 meters and walls about 1.7 meters thick. An opening on the eastern side faces the village of Kaj. The high position of the tower provides views of Mohammadabad, Korgol, Aliabad, Bayer Kalhar, Malek Kaleh, and surrounding seasonal settlements. Ceramics found in the vicinity include prehistoric materials, as well as ceramics associated with the Seljuk period, contributing to the attribution of the preserved Meel to this era.
Maghbulabad Meel
In Khalajestan, southwest of Maghbulabad village, another Meel has been preserved at an altitude of about 1893 meters above sea level and approximately 65 meters higher than the surrounding plain. Its architectural style is attributed to the Seljuk period. The tower was built from local rubble and gypsum mortar and was originally cylindrical in shape. Today, only about 2.7 meters of its height remains. Its strategic location is particularly noteworthy: the tower stands at a point from which it could serve travelers using historical routes connecting Saveh, Tafresh, and Khom. Despite the small amount of decorative ornamentation, the arrangement of the masonry is architecturally interesting.
Meem Meel
Meem Meel, located in the village of Meem in the Kahak region, resembles Safarali Meel but is smaller in size. The structure rises about 85–90 meters above the surrounding plain and is about nine meters high. Its base diameter is approximately 4.62 meters. Built from rubble and gypsum mortar, it has a conical exterior and a closed chamber inside. Architectural similarity to other Khom lighthouses led researchers to attribute it to the Seljuk period.
Rahjerd Meel
The stone structure of the Meel in Rahjerd is located near the village of Dizidjan on the peaks of Mount Zanbureh, overlooking the Zavarrian gorge and pass in the Rahjerd area. About 4.25 meters of the structure remain. The base diameter is about 6.3 meters, and the height above the surrounding plain is approximately 60 meters. Its construction from rubble and gypsum mortar is similar to that used in other Meels of Khom province from the Seljuk period.
Collectively, these structures form a scattered network of architectural attractions reflecting the importance of travel across central Iran long before modern roads changed the landscape. Their placement on elevated areas, near passes, and along historical routes demonstrates the practical connection between architecture and travel. For modern visitors, the appeal of Khom's Meels lies partly in their seclusion. Unlike large monuments located in urban centers, many of these towers have survived amidst mountains, plains, and old transport corridors. Reaching these places can offer not only an acquaintance with historical architecture but also a sense of the landscapes once traversed by merchants, pilgrims, and caravans.