Bab al-Saghir

Bab al-Saghir is one of the seven gates in the Old [City of Damascus], Syria. It has qubūr on either side of the road, and is located in the Dimashq Neighborhood, southwest of the Umayyad Mosque.

History

The bāb was initially built by the Arameans, then it was dedicated to Zeus during the Seleucid era. During the Roman era, the gate was dedicated to Jupiter. In medieval times, Bab as-Saghir was the main southern entrance into Damascus. It was refortified by General Nūr al-Dīn at around 1156 and then later by the Ayyūbid sultans. Bab as-Saghir was constructed out of mud bricks, causing it to be the weakest entrance to the city. Because of this, it is probable that during the Siege of Damascus (1148), the Crusaders planned on concentrating their forces on the gate. Before any possible plan could be implemented, Damascus's military commander Mu'in al-Din Abu Mansur Anur launched large-scale attacks on the Crusaders- made up of anyone who could fight- while strengthening the fortifications. After a four-day siege, the Crusaders withdrew from Damascus.

Cemetery

Maqbarat al-Bāb aṣ-Ṣaghīr is the ancient cemetery, which is adjacent to the gate, and is a site of significant religious importance to Muslims.