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Remains of Talsam Gate: A Glimpse into Baghdad's Past

Explore the remnants of Baghdad's historic Talsam Gate, a silent witness to centuries of the city's vibrant past.

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The Remains of Talsam Gate offer a poignant reminder of Baghdad's rich history. Once a grand Abbasid-era gateway, the gate stood for centuries as a vital part of the city's defenses, witnessing both prosperity and conflict. Though destroyed in 1917, the site evokes a sense of the city's layered past.

A brief summary to Remains of Talsam gate

  • 8CR7+94R, Baghdad, Camp Gaylani, Baghdad Governorate, IQ
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with nearby landmarks like Wathba Square and Al-Tahrir Square for a fuller experience of Baghdad.
  • Learn a few basic Arabic phrases as English may not be widely spoken in the area.
  • There are no entrance fees to visit the remains of Talsam Gate.
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Getting There

  • Public Transportation

    To reach the Remains of Talsam Gate via public transport, take a local bus or taxi to the nearest major transit hub in Baghdad. From there, find a bus heading towards Camp Gaylani. Upon arrival in Camp Gaylani, ask locals for directions to Talsam Gate. Bus fares typically range from 500-1000 IQD.

  • Car

    If driving, use the GPS coordinates 33.3409904, 44.4127615 to navigate directly to the Remains of Talsam Gate. Look for signs leading to the Camp Gaylani area. Taxis are also readily available in Baghdad. Negotiate the fare before starting your trip. A short taxi ride in the city may cost approximately 3,000-5,000 IQD.

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Discover more about Remains of Talsam gate

The Remains of Talsam Gate mark the location of one of Baghdad's historical gates, known as Bab al-Talsim (Gate of the Talisman). Originally named Bab al-Halba (The White Gate), it was built during the Abbasid era. The gate was part of Caliph al-Mustarshid’s defensive wall construction around Baghdad in the early 12th century. In 1221, Caliph al-Nasir restored the gate, adding an inscription featuring a seated figure holding two dragons, which became a talismanic symbol for the city's protection. Before its destruction, the gate was a cylindrical tower connected to Baghdad's northeastern ramparts, featuring loophole windows and pointed arch openings. It stood near the Mausoleum of Abdul Qadir al-Gilani, leading to it also being called Bab al-Sheikh. The gate witnessed significant historical events, including a polo field inauguration in 1086 by Seljuk Sultan Malik Shah and the entry of Ottoman Sultan Murad IV in 1638, after which he ordered it sealed. In 1917, during World War I, the Ottoman army destroyed the gate to prevent Allied forces from using it as a warehouse. Today, only remnants of the gate exist, serving as a historical landmark in the Camp Gaylani area.

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