Bab al-Nasr (Cairo)



Bab al-Nasr (باب النصر, Gate of Victory), is one of three remaining gates in the walls of the Old City of Cairo Egypt, in Islamic Cairo, it is a massive fortified gate with rectangular stone towers flanking the semicircular arch of the eastern Portal. The original Bab al-Nasr was built south of the present one by Fatimid general Jawhar as-Siqilli under Imam Moiz when the city was first laid out. Later Vazir Badr al-Jamali under Imam Mustansir enlarged the city and replaced the first gate with the present one, naming it Bab al-'Izz (Gate of Prosperity), Despite this, the inhabitants have shown preference to the original name meaning "Gate of Victory", which has remained in use to this day.

A significant decorative feature is the shields on the flanks and fronts of the protruding towers, which symbolize victory in protecting the city against invaders. Napoleon later named each tower of the north wall after the officers responsible for its security. The names of these French officers are carved near the upper level of the gates.

In Bab al-Nasr kalema-tut-Shahadat is inscribed claiming Fatimid belief on Muhammad and Ali for the part of Nabuvat and Imamat.