Chokak Hamam - Misplaced Pages

Chokak Hamam (Bath)
Native name Çökək hamam (Azerbaijani)

Location	Ganja, Azerbaijan
Coordinates	40°40′38″N 46°21′30″E / 40.6773°N 46.3582°E / 40.6773; 46.3582
Built	1606
Original use	Bath
Restored	2003
Architect	Sheikh Bahaddin Mahammad Amil
Governing body	Vego Hotel, Ganja
Owner	Vego Hotel, Ganja

Location of Chokak Hamam (Bath) in Azerbaijan

Chokak Hamam (Azerbaijani: Çökək hamam, "fallen bath") is a historical bath near Juma Mosque in Ganja. Historical-architectural monument built in 1606 , by order of Shah Abbas.

The bathhouse was included in the list of immovable historical and cultural monuments of local significance by the decision No. 132 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan on August 2, 2001.

About

Naming

The Chokak hamam is known by various names among the city's population. Since it was built by the order of Shah Abbas I, it is sometimes called the "Shah Abbas hamam." Due to its proximity to the Shah Abbas Mosque, it is also referred to as the "Mosque Bathhouse," and later it became known as the "Haji Alakbar Bathhouse" after the person who operated it. The name "Chokak " (meaning "sunken") comes from the fact that the bathhouse was built in a sunken area to ensure water pressure.

History

After the completion of the Juma Mosque in 1606, by the order of Safavid ruler Shah Abbas I, the construction of the Chokak Bathhouse began nearby. The architect of the bathhouse was Sheikh Bahaeddin, who was also the architect of many monuments in Ganja.

Architecture

In the construction of the bathhouse, traditional materials of the time were used, such as red bricks, egg whites, clay, and a lime-based binding mixture. The bathhouse consists of two interconnected halls. Inside the larger hall, there is a pool and a fountain, while the smaller hall is designated for washing. The bathhouse has two large domes and five smaller domes. Semi-domes, which serve as ventilation, were built around the large domes. The bathhouse remains warm in the winter and cool in the summer. In the basement, there were two steam boilers heated by wood. Steam was distributed to the halls through ceramic pipes embedded in the walls and floors, ensuring even heat circulation throughout all the rooms. This system remained in use until 1963.

After Azerbaijan regained its independence, in 1996, artist Galib Baghirov established a Decorative Applied Arts Center within the bathhouse, where he created and exhibited ceramic pottery.The bathhouse was included in the list of immovable historical and cultural monuments of local significance by the decision No. 132 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan on August 2, 2001.

Restoration

The monument was restored in 2013, with efforts made to preserve its historical authenticity. The restoration work was carried out using old bricks, and the damaged dome and roof were repaired. After the restoration, the bathhouse became operational again. However, its use by a hotel and the fact that access to the bathhouse is only available through the hotel has been met with public disapproval.