Turkman Gate

Why in News?

The Turkman Gate area in Old Delhi has come into focus after violence erupted during an anti-encroachment demolition drive carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

• Turkman Gate was one of the 14 gates of Shahjahanabad,
• Shahjahanabad built by - Mughal emperor Shahjahan when he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi in 1683 CE.
• Shahjahanabad was a planned imperial capital that incorporated older settlements, shrines and road networks.
• The gate is called Turkman gate because it lies near the tomb of Shah Turkman bayabani, a saint of Mughal era.
• Architectural style - The gateway is rectangular in plan.
• It is two bays deep, with a flat roof on the first bay while a domed roof on the second bay.
• The southernmost opening is flanked by semi octagonal double storey bastions on its either side.
• The gate has 3 arched openings, with those at the outer ends having double arches.
• There are no remains of the city wall at present.

• Shah Commission (1977) Report – It examined excesses during the National Emergency (1975–77).
• It reported the illegal demolitions, such as those at Turkman Gate, though its findings did not result in significant prosecutions.

References

1. The Hindu | Turkman Gate
2. The Deccan Herald | Tale of Shah Turkman Bayabani