When you visit Old Delhi from C.P, you would come across the old historical gate like figurine near the Ram Leela Maidan. The gate is the popular Turkman Gate. Delhi is referred as a city of 7 forts and 52 gates but today only a handful stand tall. These gates are radically a passage to a part of the city, preferred to as a district. Turkman Gate is such gate that has withstood the wrath of time, witness to many old historical changes. The gate is dub after a Sufi saint, Shah Turkman Bayabani, whose tomb still lies kept inside the monument. The monument acquired a national recognition after the massacre of 1976, during the time of emergency. The locals fought in opposition to the police as the government has directed to remove the illegal encroachment. The wounds of the massacre are still fresh amidst the local people inhabited around surroundings. It’s best informed to go with a person who has been here and prefer not to talk about the massacre of 1976.

HISTORY OF THE ATTRACTION

Right from the time of 8th century, rulers built various gates marking a district or a small city. The gates were preferred to be a gateway to the city. The Turkman Gate is believed to be built in the 12th century and is named after the Sufi saint Shah Turkman Bayabani. His tomb is still kept inside. Those are believed to be more than 50 such gates in Delhi but today only a handful of such gates remain intact. Turkman gate is believed to be built in the seventh city, Shahjahanabad, constructed by Mughal ruler Shah Jahan. Which is nearby Kashmiri Gate, Delhi Gate and Ajmeri gate are believed to be built in the same time period. Turkman gate is in jibe with the Mughal architecture.

During the time of emergency in 1975, Indira Gandhi advised the authorities to remove the illegally encroached slums in Delhi and rehabilitate people to other parts of Delhi. This movement was met by a large protest from the people at Turkman Gate. There were fights between the police and the locals which lead to a massacre. Even today the reminders of the massacre are still fresh and alive in the minds of the people and is best advised to be wary of talking about it.

GETTING THERE

The nearest metro station to the Turkman Gate are Chandni Chowk and Chawri Bazar on Yellow Line of Delhi Metro. You can walk from both of these metro stations.

THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND

The gate is located on the edge of old Delhi and New Delhi. You can traverse the heritage of old Delhi. Chandni Chowk brag of monuments like Chandni Chowk and Jama Masjid. You can traverse the famous markets of Chandni Chowk. The popular Connaught Place is in the vicinity, just 10 minutes’ drive away from Turkman Gate. There are also popular gates of Delhi like Ajmeri Gate and Delhi gate that can be visited.

OPENING AND CLOSING TIME

The Gate is opened throughout the day. Though, the gate complex is restricted and you can’t visit inside of it.

ENTRY FEES

There is no entry fee charged for Turkman Gate

BEST TIME TO VISIT

You can befall throughout the year, Although, the best time to traverse Delhi is winters when temperature favours day-long excursion. Befall around 1 pm, when the guard would be present over there, who would allow you to explore the place completely.