Chokak hammam, Historical bathhouse in Ganja, Azerbaijan.
Chokak Hammam is a bathhouse built in 1606 in Ganja, with two interconnecting halls: a large hall containing a pool and fountain, and a smaller hall for washing. It has two large domes and five small ones, with half-domes along the edges of the large domes serving as vents. Red brick and a binding mix of egg white, clay and lime were used in its construction.
The bathhouse was constructed in 1606 by architect Bahāʾ al-dīn al-ʿĀmilī and ranks among the oldest functioning hammams in the Ganja region. It has endured through centuries of change and remains operational today.
The bathhouse remains a meeting place where visitors perform traditional washing rituals and drink tea together. Families and friends gather here for relaxation and conversation in a setting that has welcomed guests for centuries.
The establishment maintains separate times for men and women, so checking the schedule beforehand is advisable. Visitors should wear light clothing and prepare for humid conditions inside.
The name Chokak comes from the Azerbaijani word çökək, meaning 'sunken', because the bath was built in a hollow to ensure water pressure. Locals also call it Shah Abbas Bath, Mosque Bath or Haji Alakbar Bath, after its builder, its neighbour the Juma Mosque, or a later operator.
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