Rumi Darwaza or Rumi Gate, also called as 'Turkish Darwaza'. This huge 60-feet-high door was also built by Asaf-ud-Daula. it is the entrance to the Bara Imambara. It is a massive gate on the western side of the front of Bara Imambara. Its uppermost part consists of an eight-faceted chhatri, which is approachable by a staircase.
Interestingly the name Rumi Darwaza has been derived from Persian 'Rumi' that means Rome. Rome was also applied to the city of Constantinople because of the fact that it was earlier called Byzantium and was the capital of the 'Eastern Roman Empire' that was later vanquished by the Turks. The landscape around the gate was once very beautiful. In fact, this was once the entrance to the walled city area of Lucknow. The gateway has been mentioned in various sources but the most famous one is considered to be the report published by one George Russell who worked as a reporter of The New York Times in mid-19th century. Russell, who accompanied the victorious British army of 1857 Mutiny had called the stretch of road from Rumi Darwaza to Chattar Manzil the most beautiful and spectacular cityscape that he had ever seen, better than Rome, Paris, London, or Constantinople.
On top of the Rumi Darwaza was kept a huge lantern that would light up the structure at night making it look absolutely fabulous. Little jets of water would rush out of the sides of the arch from beautifully carved flower buds thus making it look like a gateway to Paradise. The beautifully carved flowers and designs speak volumes about the unique architectural style and eye for detail. The Rumi Darwaza is truly a splendour and must visit if you are travelling Lucknow.
