The Gates of Old Jerusalem
Sha'ar Shchem - Damascus Gate
“Sha’ar Shchem” (Hebrew "שער שכם") also known as “Nablus Gate" was built in 1542 by Suleiman the Magnificent.
The original gate is believed to have been built during the period of the Second Jewish Temple or בית מקדש , that was destroyed by the Romans. In the second century AD during the reign of Hadrian, the Romans built a new gate. A Roman victory column was erected in front of the gate, giving the gate its Arabic name “Bab el-Amud,” or “Column Gate.” During the British mandate excavation unearthed the gate, however the column was never found.
The current gate, located on the northern wall, has two towers each of which has a machicolation – a projecting gallery supported by corbels that has an opening through which stones can be dropped on an enemy. It has one large center gate meant for use by the elite and two smaller side entrances intended for the common folk.
The Damascus Gate is the largest and most magnificent and was probably the gate used as the main entrance to the city in ancient times. Currently it opens to the beginning of the Arab bazaar and marketplace and to the Moslem Quarter.
Click the following for the list of all of Old Jerusalem's Eight Gates: The Gates of the Old City of Jerusalem
Mazor Guide to Yom Yerushalayim brings you much more about the holiday, its
meaning and its traditions... See the links below.
MazorGuide Recommended Reading
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A House of Prayer for All Nations: The Holy Temple of Jerusalem ~ by Chaim
Richman
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Letters from Jerusalem 1947-1948 (Paperback)
~ by Zipporah Porath
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The Story of Israel - Special Edition: From Theodor Herzl to the Roadmap for
Peace ~ by Martin Gilbert
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Tales Out of Jerusalem: Seven Gates to the City ~ by Rabbi Emanuel
Feldman
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