Bab Al-Nasr is one of the most important and famous tourist attractions in Islamic Cairo. It is an example of military architecture in the Fatimid period before the Crusades. Bab Al-Nasr is the Arabic name for this gate which translated in the English language Gate of Victory.
This gate is one of the eight gates of Fatimid Cairo. It is located on the northern wall. Unfortunately, there are only three gates left; they are Bab Zuwayla, Bab Al Futuh, and Bab Al-Nasr.
Bab Al-Nasr opens onto al‑Gamaliya Street.
The history of Bab Al-Nasr:
In the beginning, this gate was built by Jawhar al-Siqilli, the minister of Al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah, during his foundation of Fatimid Cairo city. It was built of bricks.
The current gate is founded by Minister Badr Al-Jamali, the minister of the Fatimid Caliph al‑Mustansir Billah 480 AH/1092 AD. It was built of stone to be more solid, and it was called Bab al‑‘Izz,(Gate of glory or power).
During the French campaign on Egypt, Napoleon called this gate the name of the officer who was responsible to protect it as Thomas-Prosper Jullien.
The people of Cairo have been using the name Bab al-Nasr for this gate till now.
The reason for naming the gate with Bab Al-Nasr is that it was used to enter the army upon its return victorious from wars.
The design of this gate:
This gate consists of two large square towers of stone. These towers are connected by a shelf with small windows that enable the soldiers to pour boiling oil on the enemies. Also, there are small holes that enable them mto shoot arrows.
On the gate, there is an inscription in Kufic script that records the date of the establishment of this gate and its official name.
The most important feature of this gate is its decoration, which is a series of shields to show the role of this gate in protecting Fatimid Cairo.
