St. Paul’s Gate
St. Paul’s Gate Bab esh Sherki, the eastern gate of Damascus, is sometimes called St. Paul’s Gate, as it is supposed that through it St. Paul, then called Saul, entered the street called Straight, and was led to the house of Judas. It is an ancient Roman portal, with three arches. The central and southern arches are now built up. The northern arch now in use is concealed by the Saracenic gate, at right angles to it. Immediately outside the gate, we see a large tower which is said to have been erected in the early ages of Mohammedan rule. These battlements are surmounted by a tapering minaret. This picture was taken by our artist from outside of the wall, and the ground we see is said to have been the site of furnaces for the manufacture of those finely glazed and richly colored tiles and finished vessels for which Damascus was once celebrated. If one has courage enough to ascend the dilapidated stairway of the tower in sight, a fine view of the city and its surroundings may...