Karim Khan Citadel Bathhouse; Iran's First Private Bathhouse

Public bathhouses were the most important and oldest centers of hygiene in Iran. Keeping in view hygiene and health issues, every neighborhood in each city had a public bathhouse to serve the residents of that neighborhood. Due to the high costs of building a bathroom, water supply, and heating, the houses did not, usually, have a bathroom, and the presence of a private bathroom in one’s house indicated the financial richness of the owner. Karim Khan Citadel Bathhouse, which is one of the first and oldest private bathhouses in Iran was built in the late 18th century.

Where is Karim Khan Citadel Bathhouse Located?

During the Zand era, a square was built in Shiraz, which was known as Karimkhani Square, around which there were several buildings including “Kolah Farangi”, “Divankhaneh” (Royal Court), Vakil Bazaar, and a military section had been erected. Karim Khan Citadel was also located in the same square and was considered the ruler’s house and the main core of the square. Karim Khan Citadel is a rectangular fortress with a 15-meter-high tower in each corner. This citadel was built in 1766 and 1767 and the best architects of the time were employed to build it by using the best of available materials and maximum precision has been used in its interior decoration to create a suitable and complete mansion. Karim Khan Citadel Bathhouse is one of the constituents of this building, which was simultaneously built.

Features of Karim Khan Citadel Bathhouse

As one of the first private bathhouses of Iran and used by the royal family, it was built in the southeast of the courtyard. This bathhouse has all the architectural features of old bathhouses. Its walls are decorated with simple plasterwork and the entire floor of the bathroom is covered with marble. The use of marble to build insulated hot and cold water pools has created an indescribable balance in the building.

Unlike the other parts of the complex, the bathhouse is located somewhat lower than the surface of the area; something that was customary in the construction of the bathhouses, and in addition to better insulation of various components, made it easier to supply water and maintain heat in it.

The Architecture of Karim Khan Citadel Bathhouse

Sarbineh

Sarbineh is the entry point of the bathhouse, which is considered the dressing room and there are four platforms for sitting and removing clothes. An octagonal pond with a fountain in the middle decorates the Sarbineh. A space has been created in the corner of Sarbineh to light a fire and, in addition to heating the environment, provide heat and charcoal necessary for making tea and hookah.

There are compartments under the platforms, which were used for putting shoes and clothes. In addition to being a space for dressing and undressing, Sarbineh had also been a place for cupping, tattooing, massaging, talking, drinking tea, and smoking hookah. In fact, the bathhouse was not only a place for bathing but was also used for gathering, resting, and recreation. Even some traditional marriage ceremonies, such as Hanabandan, were performed in the bathroom.

A corridor that has a gentle slope connects the Sarbineh to the bathing area.

Garmkhaneh (lit. Warm-house)

In addition to the space known as the garmkhaneh (main bathing area), this part also has sections called the khazineh, which consists of two rectangular pools of hot and warm water and a fountain in the middle.

The dome-shaped roof of the garmkhaneh is supported by four stone pillars. No other decoration can be seen on the roof, except for the slim motifs that were created with limestone. The floor of the bathroom is covered with stone, and the floor of the pools is also covered with green marble.

This bathhouse was inscribed in the list of Iran’s national heritage in the year 1972.

The use of marble to build insulated hot and cold water pools has created an indescribable balance in the building of the Karim Khan Citadel Bathhouse.