Bab al-Saghir, Historic city gate in Damascus, Syria
Bab al-Saghir is a city gate in the southern wall of Damascus's old city, featuring a stone arch structure that shows both Roman and Islamic design elements. The structure has been modified over the centuries and still carries inscriptions from different periods.
The gate was originally built during the Roman period but was later transformed with Islamic elements. A major renovation took place in the 13th century when an Ayyubid sultan added inscriptions that remain visible today.
The gate connects to a large burial ground where important Islamic figures rest. Visitors come to see these graves and learn about the people buried there.
The gate sits on the southern side of the old city and is easy to reach when exploring the wall. Access is open during the day, making it a good stopping point while walking through the area.
The gate served as a key military passage through different invasions and campaigns over many centuries. One notable incursion in the early 15th century left its mark on the city's military history.
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