[1] However, the name of this gate is believed to have originated more directly with the name of a Zenata emir who was himself called al-Fetouh Ibn Dounas and who dominated the early city of Madinat Fas (now the Andalusian Quarter) from 1059 to 1061, back when Fes was still divided into two separate cities.

[3][2] Al-Fetouh was in rivalry with his brother, 'Ajissa, who controlled the other city, al-'Aliya, on the opposite shore of the river, and who in turn gave his name to the gate known as Bab Guissa.

However, both of these disappeared centuries ago, leaving Bab Ftouh as the only main entrance in this part of the city (until more recent gaps were created for modern roads).

[2][1] Today, the area of Bab Ftouh is also a local transport hub for buses and taxis, with the road east to Taza passing here.

[1][3] Outside the gate, covering a large area on the rising slopes to the south, is the Bab Ftouh Cemetery.

[5] The current structure was built (or rebuilt) by Sultan Mohammed ibn Abdallah in the late 18th century.