Turkman Gate 50 years after Emergency era

Turkman Gate: A Historical Landmark in Old Delhi

Old Delhi’s Turkman Gate is a reminder of India’s Emergency era. This year marks the 50th anniversary of its connection to significant events. Author Patrick French described these events in 1976 in his book on India. He wrote, “Standing by Turkman Gate in Delhi’s old city, he (Sanjay Gandhi) told a government official he wanted to be able to see the Jama Masjid, the main mosque. Over a period of six days the command was implemented and… 150,000 shacks were knocked down. (On 19 April) The police fired on a group of homeless protesters near Turkman Gate, killing several.”

The stone gateway dates back to the Mughal era.

Today, in 2026, Turkman Gate’s side walls are lined with a fruit seller, a paan seller, a dry fruit seller, and many idlers, along with a few beggars. The monument itself underwent restoration that finished late last year.

Perspectives on Turkman Gate

This year, we will explore Turkman Gate from different viewpoints. The stone gateway is one of the few remaining of the 14 gateways that once marked the stone wall of the Walled City of Delhi. We begin by looking at the lives of citizens who were part of the landmark’s daily life. Many citizens could be seen around the monument, but not inside it. The monument remains deserted, and the small metal gate into it stays locked.

Every morning, a flower seller would set up her stall here. She passed away some years ago, and sadly, no one remembers her name.

Turkman Gate was also home to a beggar named Salma. She lived with her husband, Shehzad, beside the stone wall. Salma had a badly burned face from an accident. Every evening, Shehzad would sit beside the gateway, gently applying coconut oil on her face with a pigeon feather. She died about a year ago.

Another long-time resident was Mumtaz, a beggar who started as a truck driver. After a road accident left him disabled, he would sit all day beside a corner of the gateway. He died several years ago.

Mumtaz had a friend named Bhoora, a brown dog who lived in the shadow of Turkman Gate. Mumtaz would share his meals with Bhoora, given by passers-by. After Mumtaz passed away, Bhoora became friends with Abrar, a banana seller at Turkman Gate. Bhoora disappeared a few years ago.

Meanwhile, a goat in an orange sweater has been spotted outside Turkman Gate.