The Lions of Lions Gate
The Eastern gate of the old city of Jerusalem is called (Bab el 'Esbat) or Lions gate because of four sculptures of lions at the entrance. Some call it the Maria Magdalena gate because it overlooks the Gethsemane in the Valley East of the Old City wall. These lions have a story that goes as follows:
When the rule of the Ottoman Sultan Saleem was settled in Egypt and Syria, he came to visit Jerusalem where he found a situation that strongly upset him. At night, during his sleep, he dreamt that four lions were attacking him and he couldn't fight them, so they tore him apart. He woke up frightened. He sent for fortunetellers and dream interpreters, but none of them could interpret his dream and they were in awe of its content. The Sultan heard of a wise man living in one of the Al Aqsa Mosque rooms, so he sent for him. The wise Sheikh came to meet the Sultan who told the former of his dream. The Sheikh asked: "what were you thinking of be- fore you went to sleep?" The Sultan answered: "I was thinking of how to punish the people of Jerusalem." "But why do you want to punish them?" asked the Sheikh. The Sultan answered:" because they refuse to pay taxes." The Sheikh said:" Well Sul- tan, this dream is a warning from God almighty to prevent you from committing a great sin. The city of Jerusalem houses the Al Aqsa mosque, which is the house of God, and this is why it is called "Bayt al Maqdes". It is a good land where many good people have been buried. Our great father Adam was buried here, and nearby is buried prophet Ibrahim. God loves his prophets, and pun- ishes anyone who tries to ruin the city or be unjust to its people. I advise you to be fair towards the people in your rule, and try to restore the holy city." The Sultan was listening in awe and wonder, and when the Sheikh finished speaking he felt at peace. He ordered a gift of clothing for the Sheikh, and made a quick visit to the Haram ash Sharif to pray. He checked what rehabilitation the city needs and ordered them to be immediately implemented. He toured the old city, and ordered the rebuilding of the great wall. He gave the project to two brothers who were architects who commenced their work in Lions gate. One of them worked northwards and the other southwards and they met at the Jaffa gate west of the city. The lions at the entrance of Lions gate were sculpted in memory of the dream which was the reason for the reconstruction of the old city wall.
Source: Rushdi Al -Ashhab, Kan Ya ma Kan: Popular stories from Jerusalem. Jerusalem: Alloush publishers, 1996.