Rumi Darwaza, Lucknow: Awadhi Monument of Resilience & Grace

Rumi Darwaza, Lucknow: Awadhi Monument of Resilience & Grace

Tucked between the Bara Imambara and Chhota Imambara in Lucknow’s historic core stands the majestic Rumi Darwaza, also known as the Turkish Gate. Commissioned by Nawab Asaf‑ud‑Daula, this 60-foot gateway was constructed in 1784–86 during a devastating famine as part of a “food-for-work” initiative to provide employment with dignity.

Designed by Persian architect Kifayatullah, Rumi Darwaza was inspired by the Sublime Porte in Istanbul, reflecting a blend of Mughal, Persian, and Turkish elements that came to define the unique Awadhi style Built using lime-coated bricks called lakhori with surkhi mortar, the structure allowed for finely detailed carvings—including haunting floral patterns, jharokha balconies, and an octagonal chhatri—elements uncommon in traditional Mughal design.

Once functional as the western entrance to Old Lucknow, Rumi Darwaza was also an architectural marvel of social welfare. Thousands of people—including nobles—were employed in its construction, preserving both dignity and livelihood during famine.
A 19th-century reporter with The New York Times described the area from Rumi Darwaza to Chhattar Manzil as “the most magnificent landscape… better than Rome, Paris, London, and Constantinople”

More recently, the gate underwent meticulous restoration led by the Archaeological Survey of India, using traditional materials and techniques to preserve its historic character and prevent decay from traffic vibrations.

Today, Rumi Darwaza stands luminous—often beautifully lit at dusk—welcoming locals and tourists alike to explore Lucknow’s Nawabi heritage. It remains open 24/7 with no entry fee, serving as both a cultural landmark and a photographer’s delight

15 Historical Trivia About Rumi Darwaza 

• Built in 1784–86 by Nawab Asaf‑ud‑Daula during a famine
  
• Designed by Kifayatullah, a Persian architect
  
• At 60 feet (18 m), it towers over Lucknow’s skyline
  
• Inspired by the Sublime Porte in Istanbul
  
• Constructed with lakhori bricks and surkhi-lime mortar, not red sandstone
  
• Adorned with intricate floral motifs, niches, and jharokhas
  
• Has an octagonal chhatri dome, topped with a lantern and once water jets
  
• Was part of a food-for-work famine relief program
  
• Enabled employment for over 20,000 people, including nobles
  
• No wood or iron reinforcements were used
  
• Served as symbolic entry to Old Lucknow
  
• Described by NYT’s correspondent as more magnificent than European capitals
• Protected as a centrally protected monument since 1920
  
• Recently restored by ASI using traditional materials like surkhi and lime
• Located between the historic Bara Imambara and Chhota Imambara
  

Rumi means Muslim philosopher and scholar Maulana Rumi. It is believed that the gate is called Rumi gate after a 13th-century Muslim Sufi mystic, Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi.