Bab al-Hadid

Bab al-Hadid is a medieval city gate in Aleppo featuring a two-story bastion with stone walls that served as a northern entry point to the ancient city. The structure displays typical defensive features of its era with massive walls that controlled passage through the entrance.

The gate was built during the Mamluk period and received its present form during reconstruction in the early 1500s. These building works were part of broader fortification efforts for the city during that era.

The gate stands as one of nine historical entrances to Aleppo, where traditional craft workshops still operate near the structure. These workspaces show local techniques that have been practiced in this area for generations.

The gate sits in Aleppo's old city and is best reached on foot while exploring the narrow streets of the historic center. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and take local conditions into account, as access may vary depending on the security situation.

The gate was originally called Bab al-Qanat, named after an aqueduct system that ran nearby. This former name points to how important water management was for the city's infrastructure in that period.