Bab Al Nasr – Gate of Victory

One of the majestic gates on the northern wall of Fatimid Cairo, Bab al-Nasr (Gate of Victory), opens onto al-Gamaliya Street. It was constructed in 480 AH/1087 AD under the Caliph al-Mustansir bi Allah’s reign by Badr al-Jamali, the vizier and commander-in-chief.

The original Bab al-Nasr gate was replaced by a brick one built by Cairo’s founder, Jawhar al-Siqilli. Perceiving it inadequate for safeguarding the city, Badr decided to build an additional stone tower, which he positioned further north. This new building was named Bab al-Izz (Gate of Glory, or Power), but it was still referred to as Bab al-Nasr, the name of the old tower.

The entryway is situated between two square towers that make up the gate. The front of the gate and its towers are decorated with a series of shields carved in raised relief. This is perhaps indicative of the Fatimid fortifications’ defensive function, serving as the city’s shields.

Bab Al Nasr (Victory gate). Egypt Tours Group.

Who is Badr Al Jamali?

During the Fatimid Caliph al Mustansir Bi Allah’s reign, Badr Al Jamali served as a minister and leader. He was of Armenian descent, and a well-known and powerful leader. After the Caliph Al Mustansir Bi Allah asked him to settle the disputes that existed at the time, as we previously mentioned, he decided that Al Jamali would construct three buildings (Walls) to form the borders of southern and northern Cairo, including Bab Al Nasr. This wall was constructed instead of a gate that Jawhar Al Sakalli had constructed.

Jawhar Gate was known as Bab Al Nasr, but even after it was destroyed, people continued to refer to Al Jamali Gate as Bab Al Nasr; its name remained the same. It is believed to be Bab Al Ezz or the Gate of Generosity or Glory. Al Jamali called upon Syrians to assist him in erecting the gates, which is why you might notice a change in the building’s architectural design.

Bab Al Nasr: A Unique Defense Architecture

Unlike the gate that came before him, Badr Al Jamali chose to construct his new structure out of stone rather than brick to safeguard Cairo.
It is reported that these stones were removed from the Giza tombs, demonstrating the ancient Egyptians’ continued involvement in this practice long after they passed away.

Bab Al Nasr, or the Gate of Victory, was constructed using a technique that is unique in Egyptian architecture. It consists of two square towers with numerous shields carved within and outside the towers to defend the structure from attackers.

It is mentioned in an odd incident that French soldiers once used this gate to fire their cannons and fire, and they made holes in the gate so they could shoot their arrows at the rebellious Egyptians, even though this gate was built to fortify against the enemy. The names of a few French troops who witnessed this bizarre episode can be read against them on the gate’s walls.

Bab Al Nasr is shaped like a square, while the other two doors are shaped like round towers. Bab Al Futuh, Bab Zuwayla, and Bab Al Nasr are all thought to have been constructed by the same person (Badr Al Jamali) for the same purpose (to defend Cairo’s northern and southern borders against enemies).

Bab Al Nasr (Victory Gate)

Some background about the caliph Al Mustansir Bi Allah

During the Fatimid era, in 1192 AD, Caliph Al Mustansir Bi Allah was born. And he passed away in 1242 AD.
Eventually, at the age of sixty-seven, he became the longest-reigning Islamic emperor for sixty years—and yes, he had taken on the role of ruler over the nation when he was still a little boy. The most significant events of his era and this chapter in Egypt’s history took place in a cataclysm that had never been seen before or since.
For seven years, the Nile River’s water level dropped, and the water was entirely dependent on drinking, producing wheat, and growing seeds. This led to starvation at that time. It covers the entirety of Egypt, and two-thirds of Egypt’s population has left the country.
The land reverted to its old status upon the restoration of the Nile, a catastrophe known in Arabic as the Mustansiriya Disaster (Al Sheda Al Mustansiriya).
It is stated that during this time, hunger that was occurring at the time caused unrest and crimes to spread throughout Egypt, therefore the Caliph turned to Commander Badr Al Jamali for assistance in restoring order throughout the nation.
Conditions were restored to normal once Commander Badr Al Jamali arrived, confirming his significant influence over Egypt and his place in its history.