Turkman Gate Delhi

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

History of the Attraction

From the 8th century, rulers constructed various gates marking a district or a small city. The gates were considered to be a gateway to the city. The Turkman Gate is believed to be constructed in the 12th century and is named after the Sufi saint Shah Turkman Bayabani. His tomb is still preserved inside. There 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 constructed in the seventh city, Shahjahanabad, built by Mughal ruler Shah Jahan. The nearby Kashmiri Gate, Delhi Gate and Ajmeri gate are believed to be constructed in the same time period. Turkman gate is in sync with the Mughal architecture.

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

Getting there

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

Things to do in and around

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

Opening and closing time

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

Entry Fees

There is no entry fee for Turkman Gate

Best Time to Visit:

You can visit throughout the year, however, the best time to explore Delhi is winters when temperature favours day-long excursion. Visit around 1 pm, when the guard would be present, who would allow you to explore the place.