Ancient BathHouses of Aleppo
In Syria’s second city Aleppo there is a revival of ancient bathhouses under way. It is not because people are returning to an old tradition, but rather that the devastation of economic hardships has made hot showers a luxury. Aleppo's bathhouses have for centuries served as a social hub where men and women come together to wash, listen to music and even eat. In Hammam al-Qawwas, one of more than 50 traditional bathhouses in Aleppo's Old City, diesel fuel and firewood are used to power furnaces providing hot water and steam.
"At home you have to shower in five minutes, but at the bathhouse you can stay for five hours," he said. Hammam al-Qawwas, a 14th-century bathhouse in Aleppo, was inherited by 33-year old Ammar Radwan who said he never thought business would bounce back.”
WATCH VIDEO FROM ALJAZEERA ENGLISH
Public bathhouses also known as Hammam are common in Iran, Iraq, Levante, Anatolia and North Africa. It was a place to socialize with the local community while practicing personal hygiene and ancient bathing rituals. In Syria, it’s a truly magnificent tradition, that includes; exfoliating with a loofah or keese with the the famous Aleppo Soap, massage with oil, followed by a delicious meal. The architecture is exquisite and the amenities are many which underscore the importance of bath houses for the Islamic community. Together with the mosque, souk, and maktab (school) and local cafes, they formed the core district of ancient cities. The men area is separated from the women’s bath and children usually accompanied one of the parents.
Video from Aljazeera English - December 2021
