Historically, it and the Amanian Gate to its north formed the most important route between the regions of Cilicia and Syria.

[2] Near the western end of the pass is the Pillar of Jonah, marking the spot where the Hebrew prophet was supposedly disgorged by the great fish that had consumed him.

Around 401 BC, Cyrus the Younger passed through the Syrian Gates without a fight when his army of 100,000—including the ten thousand Greek mercenaries immortalized by Xenophon's Anabasis—compelled the Persian general opposing them to order his garrison to retreat.

During the 12th and 13th centuries, the Crusaders of Antioch and Armenians of Cilicia built several fortresses along and nearby the Syrian Gates, including Trapessac at the northeast approach; Çalan, 15 kilometers (9.3 mi) north of what is now Belen; Sarı Seki at the northwest approach; and Bagras guarding an alternate southern route between Antioch and Cilicia.

On July 28, 1832, a major battle took place at the pass between the Ottoman and Egyptian armies, where the forces of Ibrahim Pasha defeated the Turks.