The White Tower of Ramla: Ramla’s Silent Minaret
In the middle of a modest park in the heart of Ramla rises an elegant stone structure. The White Tower — a 13th-century minaret built by the Mamluks is a reminder of a city that was once one of the most important in the Islamic world.
Location
The tower stands in central Ramla, next to the ruins of the Great Mosque, itself built on the foundations of a 12th-century Crusader church.
Why “White” — and Who Are the Forty?
The tower, built from coarse, grayish-brown limestone, looks weathered and earth-toned — nothing close to white.
So why the name?
There are a few theories. Some scholars believe it was originally coated with light-colored plaster or stone, which may have given it a paler appearance centuries ago. Others suggest the name may have been symbolic or idealized, passed down by local tradition or early travelers.
But there’s another name the tower goes by — “The Tower of the Forty Martyrs” or “Tower of the Forty”. This title comes from a Muslim tradition that forty of the Prophet Muhammad’s companions (or early followers) are buried somewhere in the vicinity of the tower. Though there is no archaeological evidence to confirm these burials, the tradition is deeply rooted in local Islamic folklore.
A Brief History of the White Tower
The White Tower was commissioned in 1268 by the Mamluk Sultan Baybars, one of the most influential figures of the medieval Islamic world. Baybars is best known for defeating the Mongols and Crusaders and establishing Mamluk dominance in the Levant.
He ordered the construction of the tower as part of a larger complex, including a mosque and civic buildings that served the needs of the city. The tower was probably used as a watchtower, given its commanding view of the surrounding plains.
Over the centuries, earthquakes and invasions destroyed much of Ramla, but the tower survived — showing the Mamluk engineering skills and the strategic importance of the site.
What You’ll Find at the Site Today
The White Tower is 30 meters high and consists of 111 steps spiraling upward inside. Climbing to the top offers sweeping 360-degree views over Ramla, the Ayalon Valley, and, on a clear day, all the way to the Mediterranean Sea.
Here’s what to expect:
- The Tower Itself: Tall, square-based, with an octagonal top section. The design is classic Mamluk — functional, solid, with modest decorative elements.
- Remains of the Great Mosque: Next to the tower are the ruins of a large mosque built on Crusader-era foundations. You’ll see thick walls, partial arches, and interesting stonework.
Nearby Sites
- The Pool of Arches – A beautiful, underground 8th-century water reservoir where you can paddle a rowboat beneath stone arches and soft lighting.
- Ramla Museum – A small but rich museum covering the city’s diverse past: Islamic, Crusader, Jewish, and Christian.
- St. George’s Church – Located in nearby Lod, believed to house the tomb of St. George, patron saint of many nations.
- Ramla Market – An authentic, buzzing local shuk with everything from baklava to Persian rugs. Great for lunch or snacks.
