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Aisha Aji

What Do You Know About the Seven Gates of Damascus?

Damascus, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, has been protected by an ancient wall since the Greco-Roman era. Originally, this wall had seven gates, each associated with one of the seven known planets at the time. Both Ibn Asakir and Hassan al-Badri documented this fascinating connection between the gates and the planets. Let’s explore these gates and the stories they tell.

ابواب دمشق Gates of Damascus

Bab Touma

بوابة باب توما (1)

Located in the northeastern part of the Old City, near the Qasaa district, Bab Touma relates to the planet Venus. Named after Thomas, one of Jesus Christ’s disciples, the gate underwent renovation during Nur ad-Din’s reign in 536 AH, preserving its historical significance.

Bab al-Jabiya

باب الجابية

Sitting on the western side of the Old City at the entrance to the Medhat Basha Souq, Bab al-Jabiya, built by the Romans, and associates with the planet Mars. Its name comes from the al-Jabiya hill in the Hauran region that the gate leads to. Designed with three arches—a large central gate and two smaller ones on either side—this gate witnessed the entry of Abu Ubaidah bin al-Jarrah during the Islamic Arab conquest of Damascus.

Bab Kisan

باب كيسان

Located in the southeastern part of the Old City, near the former Jewish Quarter and the industrial area, Bab Kisan is connected to the planet Saturn. In 1939 AD, it was converted into the entrance of St. Paul’s Church, symbolizing the deep and harmonious blend of Damascus’s diverse communities.

Bab al-Salam

باب السلام

Constructed by Nur ad-Din in the 12th century, Bab al-Salam associates with the moon. Also known as Bab al-Salameh, Bab al-Sharif, or Bab al-Faradis al-Saghir, it lies between Bab Touma and Bab al-Faradis. King al-Salih Ismail restored the gate in 1243 CE.

Bab Al-Faraj

باب الفرج
باب الفرج1

Located on the northern city wall between al-Asrunieh and al-Manakhlieh, Bab al-Faraj is one of Damascus’s original seven gates. Known as the “Gate of Relief” for providing an escape route during difficult times, it symbolizes hope and resilience.

Bab Sharqi

باب شرقي

At the eastern entrance of the Old City, Bab Sharqi is the only gate that retains its original Roman architectural style. Associated with the sun, this gate was where Khalid ibn al-Walid entered Damascus. A straight road runs from Bab Sharqi to Bab al-Jabiya, known as “Souq al-Tawil”, the oldest and longest street in Damascus.

Bab Al-Faradis

باب الفراديس1

Also known as Bab al-Amara, this gate is located on the northern side of the Old City . It connects to the planet Mercury. Named after the Faradis district, known for its lush trees and water streams, the gate underwent renovation during King al-Salih Najm al-Din Ayyub’s reign in 1241 AD.

Bab al-Saghir (The Small Gate)

الباب الصغير

Situated in the southern part of the Old City, near the al-Shaghour district, Bab al-Saghir associates with planet Jupiter. It was through this gate that Yazid ibn Abi Sufyan entered Damascus during the Islamic conquest. The gate, known as “al-Saghir” or “The Small Gate,” earns its name for being the smallest among Damascus’s gates.

These seven gates are more than just entrances. They are the guardians of Damascus’s rich history, each telling a unique story of the city and its people. Standing as witnesses to the many civilizations that have passed through, these gates carry within them tales of triumphs, struggles, and a heritage that remains unforgettable.