Bab al-Salam

Bab al-Salam is one of the oldest and most significant gates of Aleppo, originally part of the ancient walls that once surrounded the city. It was built during the Islamic era, specifically in the period of Ayyubid in the twelfth century, serving as one of the main points of entry and exit of the city. Its name, Bab al-Salam, symbolizes peace and safety, and it was a key gateway along the road that led to Greater Syria, maintaining great strategic importance. The gate connected the old city to the surrounding areas, making it a vital commercial hub. It also worked as a checkpoint and guard post, ensuring the city’s protection against external threats. Today, Bab al-Salam is a significant historical landmark in Aleppo, representing the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the city. The structure consists of a stone arch flanked by two semi-circular towers with vaulted roofs, which once sheltered the city guards. The foundation inscription bears the name of Al-Zahir Ghazi. The outer wall of the gate was dismantled in 1933, but the gate itself remained intact. In 2018, it underwent restoration, during which a new layer of stone was added in a lighter shade to distinguish the historical phases of its construction.