Al-Mawazin
Eight freestanding archways called al-Mawazin sit at the top of the staircases that lead from the courtyard to the platform of the Dome of the Rock. Each archway is an open arch supported by two to four columns, set between two pilasters. One reason given for these doors is to create a gradual reveal of the sacred site, marking a separation between the city and the holy place. They are called mawāzin (weighing scales) because of a belief that scales would hang from these arches to weigh souls on Judgment Day. They are also known as qanaṭir (arches) or simply bā’ika and bawā’ik (arcade).
Most Mawazin predate the Crusades, though the inscribed arches date to the Mamluk period; dating the others is difficult. It is likely that some Mawazin date to the Dome’s original construction and were part of its initial plan, with the four arches facing the four entrances built at the same time as the dome.
Gates associated with the Mawazin:
- Jaffa Gate
- Zion Gate
- Dung Gate
- Golden Gate
- Lions Gate
- Herod Gate
- Damascus Gate
- New Gate (Double, Single, Tanners’)
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 02:13 (CET).