Unveiling the Lions Gate in Jerusalem: A Historical Journey

Many are familiar with the iconic 'Lions Gate' in Jerusalem, adorned with large lion reliefs on either side. But how did these lions come to guard the gate? Although legends might attribute this to King Solomon, the reality is different. The walls date back to the time of Sultan Suleiman, but the gate itself is older, constructed by the Mamluk Sultan Baybars after he defeated the Mongols in 1260 and became the ruler of the region. Following numerous victories, he presided over an expanding empire. Baybars' emblem was a lion, which he impressed on gold coins and wax seals, and emblazoned above Jerusalem's eastern entrance.

Baybars hailed from the Mamluk dynasty. Though adherents of Islam, the Mamluks were ethnically non-Arab. Baybars himself was Circassian, originating from a pagan tribe that roamed the steppes of Eastern Russia. When a Crimean Khan raided his tribe, young Baybars ended up in Syria's slave markets at the age of 14. Strong but considered blemished due to a distinctive eye mark, he was sold cheaply to a merchant who soon regretted the purchase and returned him. Eventually, the Emir Aladdin Aidkin bought him, and following the emir's confiscation by Sultan Saladin Ayoub, Baybars ended up in the sultan's court.

A valiant warrior, Baybars joined the sultan's elite guard. In 1250, he participated in the Battle of Mansurah (near modern-day Cairo), facing French Crusaders during the Seventh Crusade. The battle was fierce, and when the Mamluk commander fell, Baybars seized command with spontaneous bravery, leading his troops to capture the French king. This cemented his rising status.

Fate continuously placed Baybars at crucial moments. With Sultan Saladin Ayoub's death leaving a leadership void and political chaos, Baybars emerged as a decisive figure. His victory at the pivotal Battle of Ain Jalut against formerly unstoppable Mongols marked his ascension. Commanding from the valleys of northern Israel, he transformed into a regional hero, rapidly asserting control over Syria and eventually unifying the empire piece by piece.

Amidst this, intra-religious tensions soared. While Mongols favored Jews and Christians, brutalizing Muslims, Baybars spearheaded a reversal, marking hard times for non-Muslims. In 1265, fires ravaged Fustat and Cairo, and Jews and Christians were hastily scapegoated. Claims arose of them plotting to incinerate Muslims, aided by 'evidence' of suspicious materials. The incensed mob pursued the accused minorities, who sought refuge in Cairo's fortress, trusting the Muslim guards would protect them. Instead, the gates were locked behind them...

Meanwhile, rioters prepared a monumental fiery abyss awaiting the sultan's nod. Upon 'considering' the allegations, Sultan Baybars' nod fueled their fervor, sealing the Jews' and Christians' grim fate as they marched toward the blaze. But divine intervention whispered through Amir Fares Edin Aktai, Baybars’ confidant, advising him: 'Why waste lives? Demand a hefty ransom, funding wars for a decade.' The sultan signaled a changed course, disappointing the mob but saving lives. The Coptic patriarch pledged 500,000 dinars—an astronomical sum—while Jews, lacking such wealth, were released on the laughable agreement to 'refrain from burning Muslim property'. And for the Jewish community, there was light, joy, gladness, and honor.