Bab-Al-Nasr

 With the attempt of the Turkoman Atsiz to take cairo and also threats from the east, Cairo outgrew sun-dried brick wall of Jahwar thus birthing not only new walls for the city, but 3 new gates. Under the leadership of Fatimid vizier bar al-jamali the three gates built were: The Gate of al futuh,  the Bab-Al nasr (1087), and the Bab Zuwayla   Bab-Al-Nasr, also known as “The gate of victory”, is a massive gate composed of two rectangular towers situated upon a semi circular arch.  

A very important feature of the decoration are the shields and swords that creswell identifies as byzantine in the shape; some point downwards and some circular. this decoration is symbolism for the walls as being the shields of the city, and providing protection from invaders.  Ironically, though Bab Al Nasr was known as “The gates of victory”  these walls were never put to the test, as invaders never challenged them.In order to complete the construction of these new projects, Al- Jamali  employed and recruited Armenians (as he was of Armenian descent himself) as well as Syrians.  According to the book “Islamic Architecture in Cairo: an introduction” “ The outstanding features of Al Jamali’s  fortifications are the quality of stone treatment, unparalleled in Cairo, and the variant of vaults used in the walls and gates, shallow domes,  barrel vaults, cross vaults, and also spiral staircase at Bab al Nasr. Only round arches are used in the architecture of the whole walls complex”

 The influence of Syrian Architecture can be seen throughout the design of the Bab al- Nasr through the use of arches, as these were present in much of Syria’s architecture, and were not seen in Egypt until two centuries later.  Syrians were also believed to use stone as their material of choice for their projects, and the towers for Bab-al Nasr were stone up to the second level. The towers each also have a round arch, and above each arch is a carved rectangle with three slits used for lighting the rooms in the second level.  On top of the arched entrance are two carved brackets, each of them with a rams head, which is believed to have a talismanic meaning.  An  8 point star is carved between the brackets which has Islamic origin.

Most of the inhabitants to proceed al-jamali used the Bal al Nasr, for the same functionality the egyptians during the crusades did: for battle purposes. Napoleon and the french upon encountering these gates also used them as protection from invaders. It is said he also named each of the towers. The french notoriously used this structure to pour burning liquid on to intruders and  by enlarging the slits for arrows and using them for canon holes.

This gate, along with the other two built are arguably some of the best examples of great masterpieces of Islamic Military architecture. They showcase the great skill of these Armenian/Syrian Architects and Masons brought in from northern Mesopotamia.

Bibliography:

Islamic Architecture in Cairo: An Introduction: Doris Behrens-Abouseif

Allen, Terry. A Classical Revival in Islamic Architecture. Wiesbaden: Ludwig Reichert,

Islamic Monuments in Cairo: The Practical Guide

By Caroline Williams