Narrow But...

I heard from many old people that alleys were meant to be narrow for two reasons, the first one is for security reasons as it could be easy to defend the alley since the assailant can't sight who is lying behind the zigzag for him in the alley. The second reason was meant on social reasons, as not to let people crowded in the alley so women can walk in peace and protection, and it was common at that time that men say "Ya Sattar" or "Ya Allah" while walking, to inform women passing by that someone is coming and let them covering and move freely without teasing!