Pigeon Tower, Isfahan

Image from Google Maps is by Farzan

Image from Flickr is by David Sandoz

Image from Google Maps is by  Garegin Hambardzumyan

Image from Flickr is by David Sandoz

These images of fantastic looking tower and its inside are of Mardavij pigeon tower located in Isfahan, Iran. It is one of the several thousands pigeon towers, built mostly in 16th-17th century, in and around the town. Main purpose of these towers was to breed pigeons for their rich in phosphate droppings, to be used as a excellent natural source for manure. The pigeon were also a source of meat. Each tower contained thousands of honeycombed pigeon holes.

With advent of chemical fertilizers these towers were neglected and were damaged or destroyed. However few hundreds still remain and some of these are being restored.

A realistic 360 degree view of Inside the Pigeon Tower (A must see if you have Java enabled).

View in Google Maps

More info: isfahan.org.uk

Edit Note June 28, 2020
Dead links/defunct photos removed and new photos added.