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The Gates of Old Jerusalem: HaSha'ar Hechadash - The New Gate
The New Gate is known in Hebrew as “HaSha’ar Hechadash,” (Heb. "השער החדש") and in Arabic as Bab el-Jadid, the Gate of Hammid. This gate was constructed in 1889 by permission of Sultan Abdul Hamid II.
HaSha'ar HeChadash, the New Gate is so named since it is the newest portal added to the old city of Jerusalem. Unlike all the other gates that were part of the original design of the wall constructed by Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century, this gate was breached in 1889. Though it was opened by the permission of the Ottoman ruler, it was done in the waning years of that empire. The New Gate was breached to afford the Christian pilgrims, and some note, specifically to provide the German Emperor William II easier access to the Christian Quarter.
This gate is also called Gate of Hammid in honor of the Sultan Abdul Hamid who gave permission to build it.
After the New Gate was captured by Jordan in 1948 it was closed off. It was reopened in 1967 after the Six Day war when Israel regained control of the Old City and the New Gate.
Click the following for the list of all of Old Jerusalem's Eight Gates: The Gates of the Old City of Jerusalem
Mazor Guide to the City of Jerusalem, Israel's eternal capital
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Letters from Jerusalem 1947-1948 (Paperback)
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The Story of Israel - Special Edition: From Theodor Herzl to the Roadmap for
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Tales Out of Jerusalem: Seven Gates to the City ~ by Rabbi Emanuel
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