The present building was constructed in the mid-fifteenth century by the Mamluk governor of Aleppo, Amir Yalbugha al-Nasiri, on the ruins of a previous hammam which had been destroyed during Timur's raid of Aleppo. It kept its function as a bath until the early 20th century, when it was converted into a small felt factory. Some restoration works were carried out by the Antiquity Department on the exterior of the monument in the 1960s. However, the latter institution was unable to prevent the destruction of the heating room. In 1983, a comprehensive restoration of the hammam was decided upon, all the sanitary installations were to be repaired, modern facilities were to be added, but without altering the character of the monument.
This typical Mamluk structure is based on a module that is repeated three times, respectively for the frigidarium, tepidarium and caldarium. Each of these three parts is occupied by a large central domed area flanked by four iwans. The monumental street façade is treated symmetrically, with a recessed entrance portal in the middle surmounted by a pishtaq. The entire elevation displays ablaq decoration (alternating courses of yellow and black stone). The domed and vaulted spaces are lit by saucer-shaped glass plugs (qatnanyat). Interior and exterior finishes have been renovated using traditional methods and materials, and the original underground heat distribution canals were repaired and now serve to conceal the new heating ducts. A café, kitchen, laundry and other service rooms were added the existing facilities.
Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture
