Iraq Gate

Bab al-Iraq is one of the gates of the old city of Aleppo, one of the most important historical gates that have preserved their character and originality through the ages. The Bab opens onto the road leading to Iraq, which is why it is called “Bab al-Iraq”, as it was the main entrance to the city from the east, towards Mesopotamia. The foundation of Bab al-Iraq dates back to the Islamic Middle Ages, specifically during the Ayyubid period (12th century AD), but it is likely that part of the original structure existed from Abbasid times or even earlier. During the Mamluk period (13th and 14th century), the Bab underwent several restorations and fortifications, especially as Aleppo became more important as a commercial and military center. During the Ottoman period, the gate was preserved and maintained as part of the city wall surrounding Aleppo. A caravan fee was collected here: Dinar per camel. The Bab has a stone tablet with a list of drawings on it that preserved the moisture of the ground. It was restored in 2016 and re-documented in 3D with the caravan fees displayed in the Mosul Journey app.