Fodor's Expert Review Bab al-Futuh

A small passage to the left as you enter al-Hakim Mosque leads to a stairway up to the roof, where you can access the so-called Gate of Conquests, one of three still remaining in the walls of Fatimid Cairo. It was built by Badr al-Jamali in 1087 under the command of Fatimid Caliph al-Muntasir Billah. Although it was never put to the test, it was designed to protect al-Qahira from the Seljuk Turks who held Syria at the time and were threatening Egypt. This northern gate opens onto busy al-Muizz Street, which eventually leads to Bab Zuweila, the only surviving southern gate of Fatimid Cairo.