Bab El Khamis, Tlemcen Travel Guide

Bab El Khamis, whose name translates to 'Thursday Gate', is one of the remaining gates in Tlemcen, Algeria. The name 'Thursday Gate' is common among fortified cities in the Arab world, often referring to a weekly market held outside the gate.Tlemcen, historically known as Pomaria during Roman times, has been influenced by Arabs, Ottomans, and the French. As the capital of the Zayyanid Kingdom, Tlemcen was a significant center for trade and culture, often compared to Granada due to its Andalusian influences. The city's strategic location made it a vital point along trade routes connecting the Sahara to Europe.Today, Bab El Khamis stands as a reminder of Tlemcen's layered past. While perhaps not as imposing as other historical gates in the region, it contributes to the historical narrative of Tlemcen.