Description:
- The second of Fatimid Cairo's northern gates, Bab al-Nasr (Gate of Victory) was built in 1087 AD when the old mud-brick city walls were upgraded to stone. Some of the stones used in the building were stolen from the ancient Egyptian city of Memphis. Bab al-Nasr looks more like a castle gate than the entrance to a city, with huge blocky towers and defensive fortifications. The doorway is surmounted by a carved stone arch, decorated with calligraphy. The gate's inscription reads "There is no God but Allah; Mohammed is his prophet". Being Shia Muslims, the Fatimids also added the controversial inscription "And Ali is the deputy of God". There is actually a huge cemetery opposite Bab al-Nasr, though there are so many homes built over it that you can no longer really see the tombs. Bab al-Nasr leads on to al-Gamaliyya street, which can be followed all the way down to Khan al-Khalili.
- © NileGuide2013
-
Ask a local about Bab al-Nasr
Locals have answered 248 questions about Cairo.
Ask Cairo Locals about Bab al-Nasr
- Details
-
Contact:
- visit website
- tel: +20 (0)2 285 4509 (Tourist Information)
- fax: +20 (0)2 285 4363 (Tourist Information)
Address:
- Off Bab al-Wazir Street
- Cairo
Neighborhood:
Islamic CairoStrenuousness:
- No Sweat
- User Rating
