Bab al-Kallaseh

Bab al-Kalasa is one of the gates of the Old City of Aleppo and was part of its historic wall, which dates back several centuries. As an ancient city, Aleppo built its defensive wall to protect itself from invaders and repeated attacks, and the gate was part of this defense system. Located on the western side of the Old City, Bab al-Kalasa was one of the gates used to access neighborhoods such as al-Kalasa, a vital commercial and business center in Old Aleppo. The Bab dates back to medieval Islamic times and has undergone many modifications and repairs over time, especially during the Mamluk and Ottoman periods when Aleppo was an important commercial and military center. Opening the door (Bab) as a side entrance allows bleached limestone to be brought to the plaster workshops inside the wall. The arch is low so that it can easily be blocked in times of war. A stone plaque mentions the Limestone Gate Tax,a minor tax that supports the workshops. The Bab was restored in 2018, when a dim lighting system was added to illuminate the surrounding tombs.