Bab El Nasr: The Gate of Victory

Bab El Nasr, meaning the Gate of Victory, is a significant historical landmark in Cairo, Egypt. As one of the three remaining gates from the Fatimid era, it offers a glimpse into the city's medieval fortifications. Originally built by Fatimid general Jawhar al-Siqilli in 969, the gate was later reconstructed in 1087 by vizier Badr al-Jamali under Caliph al-Mustansir. He initially named it Bab al-'Izz (Gate of Glory), but the name Bab El Nasr persisted. The gate consists of two massive square towers flanking a central arched gateway. The facade is adorned with shields carved in raised relief, symbolizing the protective role of the Fatimid fortifications. These are both circular and pointed in the Byzantine and Norman fashion, decorated with bosses, molded rims and serrated edges. An inscription above the archway includes a Shi'a version of the Shahada, reflecting the Fatimid's religious beliefs. The towers themselves are three stories high, with the lower two levels built of solid masonry. Interestingly, the walls were never challenged by invaders and were cleared in the 20th century. Today, Bab El Nasr stands as a reminder of Cairo's rich history and architectural heritage, inviting visitors to step back in time and explore the wonders of the Islamic city.