Closed by the Muslims in 810, reopened in 1102 by the Crusaders, it was walled up by Saladin after regaining Jerusalem in 1187.
While Suleiman may have taken this decision purely for defensive reasons, in Jewish tradition this is the gate through which the Anointed One (Messiah) will enter Jerusalem,[REF] and it is suggested that Suleiman the Magnificent sealed off the Golden Gate to prevent the Messiah's entrance.