Bab al-Azab, Military tower in Cairo, Egypt
Bab al-Azab is a military gate in Cairo featuring two large rectangular towers with brass-bound wooden doors and was built as a defensive structure of the Citadel. The building contains multiple storage areas and single-story structures that once housed soldiers stationed there.
The gate was built as part of the Citadel's defensive structure during Islamic rule in Cairo and witnessed major political events under Ottoman control. In March 1811, Mohammed Ali executed a strategic action against Mameluke leaders here that ended their dominance in Egypt.
The gate serves as an entry point to several archaeological sites and displays the military construction methods used under Islamic rule in medieval Cairo. Visitors can observe how fortress architecture was designed to protect those inside.
The gate is located at a central point with good access and is typically open to visitors during standard hours. Comfortable footwear is recommended as you'll want to spend time exploring the multiple areas and nearby archaeological sites.
The towers contained mechanisms to pour boiling oil on attackers, demonstrating advanced defensive techniques from the medieval period. Such sophisticated systems were a common method in medieval fortresses to repel intruders.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
