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Vakil Bath House (Hammam) in Shiraz

When Karim Khan Zand chose Shiraz as its’ capital, he decided to build few public buildings in the city. He is credited to have built a mosque, bazaar, bath, water storage and a arg (citadel). 

This hammam is located in the historical centre of Shiraz, close to the Vakil Mosque and the bazaar with the same name. Vakil bath house goes back to the Zand era of Shiraz. This building was built by Karim Khan Zand in the 18th century. In the past, this building was used as a restaurant and a carpet museum.

 

Entrance of the Vakil Bath Museum
Upon entering this historical bath house one is met with this scene which represents building's past
Vaulted ceiling of the Vakil Hammam
Paintings inside the Vakil Bath
Around the pool, there is raised platform which was used for different activities inside the bath house
A pool is located in the middle of the main dome
A skylight in the ceiling to allow natural light into the building

 

At the time of its construction, private baths in homes were far and few so this place was a magnet for the locals. This bath house wasn’t only a place of taking hot or cold bath but also a social place for the locals. 

People would often sit and wait for their turn in order to get the treatment they require in this bath house. Bathing process sometimes involved more than one services, for example, a barber area, massage area, skin treatment to name few.

Different types of people would come here and they would dress according to their social status or profession
A bathroom worker is depicted in life size wax statue
Model of a dervish (sufi, holy man) - this bath house goes back to the Zand era of Shiraz
This is a client, which refers to as general public
A wax statue of a porter with his bag
People would often sit and wait for their turn in order to get treatment they wish

 

This building is closed from all sides but it has plenty of natural sunlight and fresh air circulating in it and it also makes a good stop to see the Persian architecture. 

This guy is dubbed as "Aga Sayyed" which roughly translates as the "master" but it may also refer to the lineage of the Holy Prophet
Barbers in action inside the hammam
A typical scene inside the Vakil Bath
Hot bath section of the hammam
Here a bride to be is joined by her friends in " Hina Ceremony" which requires the hands and feet of the girl painted with colour
Ceiling of hot bath area of the Vakil Bath
This part of the hammam was going under some renovation work