Homs, central Syria, (SANA) – Homs governorate is rife with archeological and historic sites such the city of Palmyra, the Krak des Chevaliers fortress, Qatana Hill, Citadel of Homs, antique marketplaces, mosques and churches, in addition to antique public bathhouses.

The antique public bathhouses are among the most important archeological landmarks in the city, with a distinguished history of construction and decoration. They were more than mere public facilities, as they were also a meeting place for friends and relatives on social occasions.

The construction of each bathhouse is different from each other, depending on the time period when it was build, but most of them consist of three areas; external, central and inner, each with its own function and role.

Director of the Homs Department of Archeology and Museums Farid Jabbour says there were more than 25 bathhouses in the city, but only four are left. They are registered at the Department which supervises them to protect them and ensure that they are not altered or damaged.

The first of the four bathhouses is al-Basha Bathhouse, which dates back to the Ottoman era. It consists of a square hall with a marble pool in the middle and domed rectangular rooms.

The second is al-Usayyati Bathhouse, also dating back to the Ottoman period. It has a conventional three-part design with a pool in the middle, mosaic tiles and a domed inner area.

The third is the Little Bathhouse, which dates back to the Ayyubid era and is currently being used as a market for fabrics.

The last bathhouse is the Ottoman Bathhouse, the only one currently being used. As the name implies, it dates back to the Ottoman era, and represents an example of architectural taste, skilled stonework and symmetry. This bathhouse contains three compartments and has a pink alabaster pool in the center with a marble fountain in it.

Current owner of the Ottoman Bathhouse Abdel-Mawla al-Faraj says that this bathhouse is the only one currently being invested, and is visited by customers and tourists who enjoy its rituals.

These bathhouses are examples of the art of Arab architecture and invoke the mystique of the Orient in tourists, making them important tourist attractions that require attention by relevant authorities to encourage their owners to renovate and reopen them.

H. Sabbagh / Kh. Aridi