Erbil/Hawler Hammam

Although the hammam was extensively renovated in 1979, its original floor plan remains. The main entrance leads into a domed outer hall that measures 9 x 9 m. From here, there is access to a middle hall, which presumably used to be slightly warmer in temperature; this hall is square in plan, measuring 11 x 11 m, and is surmounted by a large dome with several small openings covered with glass to provide natural light. The inner hall located at the end of the building was most likely used for the hot, steamy bath area. The water for the hammam was provided by an ancient well, more than 60 m deep, which has survived to this day. The original hammam remained in use until the 1979 restoration. The structure was restored once again in the 1980s.