Bab Tuma (Arabic: بَابُ تُومَا, romanized: Bāb Tūmā, meaning: "Gate of Thomas") is a neighborhood located in the Old city of Damascus. It is one of the seven gates of Damascus, a geographic landmark of Early Christianity.
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| 33°30′48″N 36°18′54″E / 33.51333°N 36.31500°E | |
| Standort | Old Damascus, Syria |
|---|---|
Etymology
The gate was named by the Byzantines to commemorate Thomas the Apostle, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ.
History
Ancient
The Romans first built the seven gates of Damascus, the gate was dedicated to Venus around 2,000 years ago.
Middle Ages
The Ayyubid dynasty reconstructed it in the 13th century.
Late Modern Period
The Damascus affair happened in 1840, near Bab Tuma, when an Italian monk & his servant disappeared. The Christians accused the Jews of their disappearance, saying they extracted their blood to bake matzo. French noble, Alphonse de Lamartine visited Bab Tuma in 1832.
Tourism
It is a famous geographic landmark in Damascus. It has a hotel in the area called "Bab Touma Hotel".
Geography
It is located in Old Damascus, near Bab Sharqi and the Umayyad Mosque.
Notable People
- Paul the Apostle, the most important person after Jesus Christ.
- Thomas the Apostle, a Saint who traveled thru Afghanistan and India. The first to bring Christianity to South Asia.
- Ananias of Damascus, a disciple of Jesus Christ.
- Raphael of Brooklyn, first Orthodox bishop in North America.
- Michel Aflaq, Syrian philosopher.
- Paul Anka, father was from Bab Tuma.
Religion and Culture
In the 16th century, it was entirely Greek Catholic and Greek Orthodox. Until now, it is entirely known for its Christian population. Easter and Christmas are celebrated every year in the area. Kahk is prepared every year on Easter.
Gallery
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Side view of Thomas' gate. -
Thomas' gate in 1950, before the authorities tore down the shops, visible in the photo, to make way for a newly paved road.
