Bab Al-Futuh is one of the most important and famous landmarks in Islamic Cairo. It is considered the entrance to Al-Moez Street from the north. It is an example of military architecture in the Islamic world.
Bab Al-Futuh is an Arabic name that means in English Gate of Conquests. It is said that it was called by this name because it was used to way out the army when it went out to wars.
The history of this gate:
The old gate was built by Minister by Jawhar al-Siqilli, the minister of Al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah, during his foundation of Fatimid Cairo city.
The current gate is founded by Minister Badr Al-Jamali, the minister of the Fatimid Caliph al‑Mustansir Billah 480 AH/1087 AD, and named it Bab al-Iqbal or Gate of Prosperity.
This gate is one of the eight gates of Fatimid Cairo. It is located on the northern wall and leads to Al-Moez Street and Bab Zuweila on the southern side. Only three gates remain, Bab Zuwayla, Bab Al Futuh, and Bab Al Nasr.
The design of this gate:
This gate consists of two large round towers of stone linked by a stone shelf with small windows that enable the soldiers to pour boiling oil on the enemies. Also, there are small openings that enable the soldiers to shoot arrows.
This gate is characterized by floral and geometric decorations and inscriptions that are recorded the names of the leaders of the French campaign, led by Napoleon Bonaparte, to document their use of this gate during their campaign.
Behind Bab al-Futuh, there is the Mausoleum of Sidi Hassan El Zouk. It dates back to the Mamluk period. This mausoleum is linked to the Egyptian proverb (El Zouk did not go out of Egypt), as it is said that Hassan El Zouk was a pious man who helped people resolve the dispute, but with time people did not respond to his words, so he decided to leave Egypt, but he died at Bab al-Futuh and was buried there.
you can visit Bab al-Futuh with Walking Tour in Cairo Streets
