Gonbad

Gonbad is a Persian word meaning “dome.” It is commonly used in place names and architectural terms across Iran and the surrounding region. The best-known references are the Gonbad-e Qabus Tower and the city of Gonbad-e Kavus, both associated with the northeast of Iran.

Gonbad-e Kavus is a city in northeastern Iran, the capital of Gonbad-e Kavus County in Golestan Province. It lies near the Turkmenistan border and sits on routes that connect the Iranian plateau with Central Asia. The city functions as a regional commercial and agricultural center, with surrounding areas producing crops such as cereals and cotton and supporting livestock activities.

Gonbad-e Qabus Tower is a prominent cylindrical brick tower located in the city of Gonbad-e Kavus. It was constructed in the early 11th century during the Ziyarid dynasty, likely for a ruler named Qabus. The tower is regarded as an important example of early Islamic brick architecture in Iran, noted for its durable construction, geometric brickwork patterns, and its enduring presence as a monument of medieval engineering and design.

Other uses of the name Gonbad appear in various other localities and districts within Iran, reflecting the cultural influence of domed architecture in Persian and Islamic heritage. The term continues to be associated with monuments, geography, and historical construction across the region.