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Harput Ulu Leaning Minaret Rivals Tower of Pisa | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Ankara- A new study found that the minaret of Harput Ulu mosque near the eastern Turkish province of Elazığ is more inclined than the Pisa tower in Italy.

Harput Ulu mosque dates back to the Seljuk era. The study conducted in the Firat University showed that the minaret’s inclination ranges between 3 and 7 degrees more than the Pisa Tower.

Ismail Aytac, the study led-author said Harput Ulu is considered the first architectural monument built by the Seljuks in the Anatole region among many other grand mosques they built in Iran and Turkey. The study was conducted at the request of endowment authority in order to survey and measure the minaret. The survey proved that it is inclined from 3 to 7 degrees more than the Pisa tower.

Aytac pointed out that the minaret had another part, and that efforts are being made to maintain the rest of it through restoration. These efforts are very important in maintaining the safety of the building.

The Grand Harput Ulu has been built by using unique stones without the need of adhesive materials. The mosque, which comprises many precious masterpieces, was built by King Fahrettin Karaaslan of the Seljuk dynasty in 1157.