Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse

The Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse, also known as the Hammam-e Sultan Amir Ahmad, is a remarkable example of the architecture and decoration of Iranian hammams from the 16th century. The exceptionally well-preserved structure, covering an area of 1000 square metres, is situated in the historic centre of Kashan. The building was originally constructed during the Seljuk era and later restored during the reign of the Qajar dynasty.

The hammam has now been converted into an anthropological museum and is open to visitors.

Architecture of the Hammam

The facade of the building is adorned with floral patterns. In the middle is the main decoration, resembling a large open flower, symbolising the divine presence in this world. The frieze is embellished with muqarnas, a three-dimensional decoration consisting of prismatic elements layered over one another. Above the main entrance, there is a bas-relief depicting a lion hunting a roe deer.

Behind the entrance is a long, winding corridor leading to the sarbineh (a changing room). The corridor was designed to prevent sudden temperature changes for visitors entering or leaving. The sarbineh is an octagonal hall supported by tall columns, which are decorated with well-preserved frescoes and bas-reliefs depicting birds, flowers, and hunting scenes. At the centre of the hall is a pool, where visitors once washed their feet. Around the perimeter of the room are benches where visitors would relax, enjoying tea, smoking a hookah, and engaging in leisurely conversations after their visit to the hammam. The bathhouse was illuminated by a small round opening in the ceiling.

Behind the sarbineh is the next room of the hammam – the garmkhaneh (a hot bathing hall). The garmkhaneh differs from the sarbineh in being a larger room with simpler furnishings. This space was used for washing and cleansing the body. Parts of its walls are lined with faience mosaics, considered an integral traditional element of Persian interior design. The vaulted ceilings are adorned with intricate geometric patterns.

The walls of the bathhouse are constructed from saruj, a readily available material made from sand, clay, lime, goat's hair, and ash. Due to its high density, this material is impermeable to moisture and maintains a consistent temperature inside the building.

The floors of the bath are covered with marble. Since ancient times, this stone has been widely used in construction due to its ability to heat up quickly, retain warmth effectively, and its natural antiseptic properties.

Devices of the Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse

The small, equipped service rooms of the hammam demonstrate the ancient devices used in the bathhouse. In one of these rooms, there is a large boiler that was used to heat water with a fire.

The smoke from the hearth was utilised to warm the floors, while the steam was used to heat the air. Due to the shortage of wood, brushwood mixed with manure and leaves served as fuel. Water was supplied via ceramic pipes connected to qanats – underground channels traditionally used for field irrigation.

Interior of the Hammam

The interior of the hammam is adorned with stunningly beautiful tiles and mosaics in deep azure and gold tones. The multilayered plasterwork of the room is embellished with oriental patterns in the islimi style.

Another masterpiece of the building is the roof. It features several domes, each with convex lenses. From the roof, a remarkably beautiful view unfolds – the historic city of Kashan, criss-crossed by numerous streets.