Čifte Hammam, Ottoman hammam and art museum in Old Bazaar, Skopje, North Macedonia.
Description
Čifte Hammam is an Ottoman-era bathhouse in Skopje's Old Bazaar that now functions as an art museum. The building contains multiple chambers with vaulted ceilings pierced by star-shaped openings that provide both light and ventilation.
History
The building was constructed in 1531 under Ottoman rule and commissioned by official Isa Bey. It survived significant damage from the 1963 earthquake that devastated Skopje and was later restored and converted into a cultural space.
Culture
The name refers to twin bathing sections that once served men and women separately, a common division in Ottoman bathhouses. This dual layout remains visible in the building's structure and gives visitors a sense of how social spaces were organized in daily life.
Practical
The museum is open from Tuesday through Sunday and sits in the heart of the Old Bazaar, accessible on foot. Wear comfortable shoes since the floors have varying levels and original stone surfaces that can be uneven.
Did you know?
One chamber was specifically used for ritual baths by the Jewish community, revealing how different groups shared this facility in Ottoman times. This detail often goes unnoticed despite showing the diversity of life in historical Skopje.
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