Suleiman the Magnificent built today's Damascus Gate in 1537, but it has been one of the main entrances to Old Jerusalem since Roman Times and maybe before. In the wall on the NW side in the direction of Nablus, it leads directly into the Muslim quarter and a bazaar full of shops and eateries. It inspired Robert Stone's novel of the same name, a National Book Award finalist in 1998, but after a series a terrorist attacks, security has been increased and most locals choose other gates.