Medieval Baths-hamams

Baths in Bukhara could be categorized into two types based on their location: city (bazar) baths and block (guzar) baths. Bazar baths were situated in close proximity to trade rows. Notable examples in Bukhara include Hammom Gavkusho, Hammom Hodja Porso, Hammom Sarrofon, and Hammom Bozori Kord, one of the oldest bathhouses in Bukhara, built in the 17th century. Like other Eastern baths, this bathhouse consists of a lobby, a changing room, and soap rooms. Many Central Asian baths were designed as one-story domed buildings.

For convenience, many baths were located at street intersections, closely adjoining other public buildings. Such baths existed in Bukhara and Samarkand and were known as “Hammom Kundjak,” meaning “corner bath.” One such bath still functions in Bukhara near the Kalyan Minaret.

Central Asian baths were primarily built with a single room and operated on a strict schedule, with designated days for men and women.

In the East, baths were constructed not only near bazaars and residential areas but also in palaces, mosques, and madrasahs. An example of this is the surviving bath of Anush-khan in Khiva, built near the Ak-mosque.

Many of these baths have survived and continue to function today. In particular, two baths in Bukhara—Bozori Kord and Hammam Kundjak—remain operational. Visitors can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the medieval East, experiencing the rich cultural heritage of Bukhara through these historic bathhouses.