Bab al-Nasr (Cairo)

The names of these French officers are carved near the upper level of the gates, like for example that of Thomas-Prosper Julien, aide-de-camp of Bonaparte in Egypt.

Arrow slits allowed defenders to shoot projectiles at enemies below and projecting towers made it possible to deliver flanking fire as well.

[5] A significant decorative feature is the shields on the flanks and fronts of the protruding towers, which symbolize victory in protecting the city against invaders.

[1] A long horizontal Arabic inscription that runs across the facade of the gate, above the shield motifs, names Badr al-Jamali and his caliph, al-Mustansir, and also gives the date of construction.

This Gate of Power (Bab al-'Izz) and the wall, protecting the city of al-Mu'izz, Cairo, the safe-guarded – may God protect it – were raised by the slave of our sovereign and master, the Imam al-Mustansir Billah, Amir al-Mu'minin – may the benedictions of God be upon him, his ancestors the unblemished imams, and his noble descendants.

[2]A rectangular inscription panel above the arch of the gate contains a Shi'a version of the Shahada, claiming Fatimid belief in Muhammad as prophet and Ali as imam.