Damascus stands as the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city, a place where civilizations have merged for millennia. Among its most enduring features are the seven historic gates—Kisan, Sharqi, Touma, al-Saghir, al-Jabiya, al-Faradis, and al-Farj—which have served as the city’s timeless sentinels. Each of these ancient portals carries centuries of narrative, having seen armies come and go, while remaining symbolically linked to the celestial bodies of the cosmos.
The Foundations of Ancient Damascus
As a crossroads of human history, Damascus has absorbed and integrated diverse cultures and traditions, resulting in an architectural heritage that is entirely unique. Throughout the ages, the city was a frequent target for invaders, leading to the construction of massive stone defensive walls during the Hellenistic period. These fortifications were later restored by the Romans, who established seven distinct gates, each dedicated to one of the seven planets known to the ancient world.
The renowned geographer Yaqut al-Hamawi noted in his Dictionary of Countries that “the first wall built on Earth after the Flood was the wall of Damascus.” During the Roman era, the western fortifications underwent various changes, with gates being added, removed, or sealed as needed. While modern infrastructure and urban growth have caused some of these structures to vanish, their historical legacy remains the core of the city’s ancient identity.
A Planetary Alignment in Stone
The original Roman gateways were inextricably tied to the heavens: the Eastern Gate represented the Sun, Bab Touma was linked to Venus, Bab al-Faradis to Mercury, Bab al-Jabiya to Jupiter, and Bab al-Saghir to Mars. Additionally, Bab al-Salam and Bab al-Jiniq were associated with the Moon. Although time has altered the landscape, these sites remain the historical nucleus of the city’s ancient entrances.
Bab Kisan: The Gate of Saturn
Located in the southeastern sector of the city, Bab Kisan is one of the oldest gates, with roots reaching back to the Roman period. Positioned strategically to overlook the southern districts, it was historically marked with the image of Saturn. This celestial body was associated by the Greeks with the God of time and agriculture, while the Romans identified it with Cronus.
Bab Touma: The Gate of Venus
Situated in the northeastern part of ancient Damascus, Bab Touma is another of the seven original Roman gates. It is recognizable by its prominent stone arch and a pair of balconies that were once vital for surveillance and military defense. The gate is engraved with the image of Venus; the Greeks linked this planet to the goddess of beauty and love, whereas the Romans associated it with Aphrodite.
Bab Sharqi: The Portal of the Sun
Serving as a primary entrance on the eastern side of the city, Bab Sharqi (the Eastern Gate) is celebrated for its traditional Damascene architecture and graceful stone arches. Its proximity to the city’s famous marketplaces, such as Souq al-Hamidiyah, made it a critical artery for movement. The gate bore the image of the sun, which the Greeks called Helios and the Romans referred to as Sol.
Bab al-Saghir: The Small Gate of Mars
Found in the southwestern quarter, Bab al-Saghir earned its name for being the most modest in size among the city’s gateways. Despite its dimensions, it served a strategic purpose by connecting the old city walls with the newer surrounding districts. Symbolically tied to the planet Mars, its name simply highlights its smaller scale compared to the other massive portals along the wall.
Bab al-Jabiya: The Gate of Jupiter
Bab al-Jabiya is a significant entrance located on the western side of Damascus. Historically, it functioned as a vital passage for trade caravans traveling from Jordan, Palestine, and Aleppo. The name refers to the “jabaya” or the markets that existed nearby, and the gate was associated with the planet Jupiter. This title was chosen because the gate led toward a camp specifically designated for the collection of taxes.
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