0 al-zafar tower

the tower is situated at the north eastern corner of bab al-nasr ,to which it is connected while its southern  section is extended to bab al-wazir. the tower is cylindrical, and is divided from the inside into an octagon   each has eight arrow slits, and on row and a variety of floral and geometrical stone decorations. in addition, there is a stair in the south wallleading to the top of the tower which comprises passages with barrel vaults. the surface of the vaults covering the staircase is covered with geometrical and floral decorations engraved in the stone. this tower is considered one of the most important parts 
renovated and restored by salah al-din al-ayyubi 


conclusion
it is noticed, in general, that stone is the principal material used for building these gates and towers, whether smooth or rusticated, articulating the fortifying function of the walls and gates adding to  their defensive image. although the external appearance is rough, yet the internal spaces inside the towers are decorated with. geometrical and floral ornaments, without extravagancy. this was probably due to the desire to produce a good effect on the moral spirit of the guards residing in the tpwers for long periods of time


the walls and towers have achieved their fortifying functions for which they were constructed and which conform to islamic understanding of military defence but soon lost its importance after the spread and expansion of the population outside the walls and gates, and were eventually neglected, and are now almost disappearing under heaps of sand