Hammam al-Nahhasin (Arabic: حمام النحاسين) is one of the oldest and largest public baths (hammam or Turkish bath) in Aleppo, Syria.[1] It is located in Al-Madina Souq of the Ancient City of Aleppo, to the south of the Great Umayyad Mosque, near Khan al-Nahhasin.[2]
| Hammam al-Nahhasin | |
|---|---|
حمام النحاسين | |
 Hammam al-Nahhasin in 2010 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Hammam |
| Architectural style | Mamluk, Ottoman |
| Location | Aleppo, Syria |
| Completed | 12th century |
| Renovated | 2021–2022 |
| Destroyed | 2012–16 (damaged) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 1 |
History edit
It was originally built in the 12th century by order from Aisha bint Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi and renovated several times during the Mamluk and Ottoman periods.[1] However, most of the current building of the hammam belongs to the Ottoman period.[3] Hammam al-Nahhasin literally means the bath of the coppersmiths.
Current developments edit
The Hammam was damaged during the Battle of Aleppo (2012–2016).[4] A comprehensive restoration of the hammam by DGAM began in 2021.[1] The reconstruction was completed in January 2022.[5] The hammam was reopened in November 2022 with the aim of returning to its original purpose.[2]
Interior layout edit
The hammam is divided into three sections:[1]
- The internal section contains the warm rooms and the hot rooms. The warm rooms are designated for a short relaxation before taking bath. The hot rooms are designated for a full body wash and steam bath.
- The central section is designated for a massage after the body wash.
- The external section is the largest part of the hammam, characterized with its traditional wooden decorations and marble floor. Here, bathers can take a period of relaxation around the pond.
The hammam has an entirely isolated section for women called "Hammam as-Sitt".[2]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b c d Manar Salameh/ Ruaa al-Jazaeri (5 January 2022). "Hammam al-Nahhasin in Aleppo … restores its glory as archeological icon after rehabilitation". Syrian Arab News Agency. Retrieved 9 January 2022.
- ^ a b c Ruaa al-Jazaeri (15 November 2022). "Hammam al-Nahhasin in Aleppo Old City restores its glory after rehabilitation". SANA. Retrieved 16 November 2022.
- ^ "حمام النحاسين".. طقوس النظافة الحلبية قبل ثمانية قرون." [Hammam al-Nahhasin.. Aleppo hygiene rituals eight centuries ago..]. esyria.sy (in Arabic). 21 August 2008. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
- ^ Elena Scappaticci (8 March 2017). "Que reste-t-il d'Alep, trois mois après sa réunification ?" (in French). Le Figaro. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
- ^ Hammam Nahassin, la más antigua casa de baño en Alepo [Hammam Nahassin, the oldest bath house in Aleppo] (Motion picture). Syria: Syrian Arab News Agency. January 9, 2022.