The minaret was erected in 1880 by a Russian general, Eduard Totleben, who was the owner of an estate in Kėdainiai.

It was built to commemorate his service in the Russian-Turkish war, in which he had participated.

Local legend claims that it was constructed in memory of his Turkish lover.

It is needle-topped, 25 meters high and has a balcony which can be reached by interior stairs.

The second plaque bears an Arabic inscription from the Koran, sura Al-Baqara, verse 255 āyatu-l-kursī which says "Who is it that can intercede with Him (God) except by His (God's) permission" ?