DUNG GATE
Sixth in the "Gates of Jerusalem" Series
Dung Gate, located in the southern wall of the Old City of Jerusalem, is the nearest to the Western Wall and lowest of the gates built in the 16th century during Ottoman rule by demand of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Because of its proximity to the Moroccan (Mughrabi) neighbourhood, it was historically known in Arabic as the Moroccan (Mughrabi) Gate.
Dung Gate is referred to 4 times in the Book of Nehemiah as one of the gates in the walls of Jerusalem in the time of the Return to Zion.
It is thought that the ashes of the sacrifices in the Temple and refuse of the citizens were taken out to the Kidron Valley through the Dung Gate, which could explain the name "Dung" Gate.
Unlike the other gates in the walls, Dung Gate was built as a small passageway, big enough to allow just a person and animal to pass through. An arch above the gate, with a Star of David inside it, shows the width of the original gateway.
In 1952, the Jordanians significantly widened the gateway and paved a road through it.
After liberation of the city by the Israel Defence Forces during the Six Day War, the Dung Gate was renovated and preserved by the State of Israel.
Obverse: Dung Gate, inscription in English and Hebrew, "Dung Gate", on the gold version "1oz. fine gold.9999 and the mint year, on the silver "1oz. fine silver .999.
Common Reverse of the Series: Stylized sketch of the Gates of the Old City in the Walls of Jerusalem, border inscription in English and Hebrew, "Gates of Jerusalem" and, below, The Holy Land Mint logo.
Design: Zvika RoitmanEngraving: Tidhar DaganMint: The Holy Land MintThe "Stock photo" used in this listing was created by RJ Bullion for reference purposes only. You will NOT receive the exact item with the same certificate number. This photograph is for reference purposes only. The actual item you will receive is guaranteed to be similar to that shown and exactly as described.