Just beyond Bara Imambara is an impressive gateway, Rumi Darwaza, built by Nawab Asafuddaula in 1784. It is also known as the Turkish Gateway. The heart and soul of the Avadh architecture is well expressed here. The construction of Rumi Darwaza was completed in the year 1784. The 60 feet high Rumi Darwaza is said to be identical in design to an ancient portal at Constantinople. Its uppermost part consists of an eight faceted chhatri, which can be approached by a staircase. This huge and finely designed darwaza or gate is a replica of one in Istanbul. 'Rumi', derived from the name Rome, is the term Muslims applied to Istanbul when it was still Byzantium, the capital of the eastern Roman Empire. Rumi Darwaza is one of the most impressive gateways not only in Lucknow or India but also the whole world. The gateway lays Northwest of Bada Imambara. It is interesting to note that Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, like the Bada Imambara, also commissioned Rumi Darwaza. Both were commissioned under the 'Food for Work' programme initiated by the Nawab to bring respite to the city populace that was suffering from famine.