Gates · Western boundary between Cotton and Chain gates
A gateway named for the washing facilities beyond the western edge. [1]
Bab al-Mathara lies between the Cotton Merchants’ Gate and Chain Gate. Unlike a gateway onto a principal street, its historic relationship is with the ablution and water facilities beyond it. [1]
Awqaf attributes an Ayyubid phase to al-Adil Abu Bakr ibn Ayyub and records subsequent rebuilding. Its several names—Mathara, Mutawadda and Siqaya—reflect this connection to washing and water provision. [1]
References for this place, with links from the statements they support. Dates and religious traditions retain the attribution of their sources.
Jerusalem Awqaf · monument record (Arabic) · Location, history, naming and architectural description
Consulted 2026-10-13A custodial record. Religious associations are attributed; historical operating details are not current access information.
PASSIA · Jerusalem Awqaf · Hashemite Fund · Printed pp. 54–65; map legend on PDF page 35
Consulted 2026-10-13Custodial guide from an Islamic perspective. Used for the baseline inventory and schematic relative positions; its access descriptions are historical, not live advice.
Relative positions are illustrative; this is a heritage atlas, not a walking route or live access map.
09Gates
The gateway linking the sanctuary’s western side with the covered Cotton Merchants’ Market.
10Gates
A historic western gateway paired with the adjacent Tranquility Gate.
31Schools & lodges
Four Mamluk foundations connect the western portico to the streets and institutions beyond it.