Azzouz Bathhouse

The ancient Azzouz Bathhouse... unique in the archaeological area and one of the most important rare antiquities in Egypt and the historic city of Rosetta... it is the only remaining Ottoman bathhouse in the city.

The Date of Construction

The Azzouz Bathhouse dates back to the 17th century AD.

The Founder

It was built by Abdul Rahman bin Al-Hajj Hijazi, known as Ibn Jami', and he endowed it as a charitable trust for the Zaghloul Mosque. It became known as "Azzouz" after a resident of Rosetta who acquired it in the 1960s. It then became the property of the Antiquities Authority in 1982.

The Importance of Public Baths in Ancient Times

These vital facilities were widespread in ancient cities due to the scarcity of toilets and bathing facilities within homes, which were only available to the wealthy and those who could afford them.

1. The Hygiene and Purity

They allowed the general public to bathe and purify themselves for a small fee, especially during winter when bathing in rivers or cold water was difficult.

2. The Religious Obligation

They were considered a religious and cultural necessity for performing religious rituals, such as purification, ablution, and prayer in Islamic culture, and were sometimes a prerequisite for entering temples in Pharaonic Egypt.

3. The Social Role

The hammam was a popular meeting place and a gathering spot where friends and neighbors would socialize, away from the burdens of daily life.

4. The Festive Rituals

It was associated with prominent social traditions such as wedding celebrations and the reception of special occasions. It's worth noting that certain days of the week at Hammam Azzouz were dedicated to women preparing for their wedding night, with the application of henna, adornment, and perfume.

5. The Therrapeutic and Health Benefits

The hot water, natural oils, and massage techniques were used to treat body and joint pain, as well as many other ailments.

The Location

The bathhouse overlooks the Nile branch to the east and is located at the intersection of Al-Masiri Street and Al-Hajar Street.

The Architectural Design

Northern Facade

This is the main facade and includes three doors:

1. The Eastern Door

The main entrance to the bathhouse, featuring a semi-circular arch.

Above the door is a wooden lintel inscribed with a relief carving in Naskh script:

"Indeed, We have granted you a clear victory."

The sides of the entrance are decorated with stucco decorations and Kufic inscriptions.

2. The Middle Door

This leads to the staircase ascending to the second floor and the roof.

3. The Western Door

Leads directly to the fuel room (firehouse) and the water heating furnace.

The External Annex

The eastern facade includes the livestock stable for the animals that operate the waterwheel and the well for raising and distributing the water.

The Windows

The rectangular in shape, covered with iron grilles on the outside and sloping turned wooden beams on the inside.

The Interior Sections

It consists of two floors.

The First Floor

IIt's dedicated to bathing and divided into three rooms (cold, warm, and hot) by a vestibular corridor with intersecting vaults.

1- The Slaughterhouse (Cold Section)

A rectangular room with marble floors, covered by a wooden ceiling with an octagonal skylight made of wood and stained glass to allow light in. An octagonal marble fountain is located in the center, surrounded by four alcoves and a platform that was designated for the bathhouse attendant, known locally as the "hammam." His role was to maintain public decency, ensure the appropriate appearance of bathers, and prevent individuals with contagious diseases from entering the bathhouse.

2. The Warm Room (Middle Section)

The accessed through a door in the western wall of the slaughterhouse, it consists of two iwans covered by a shallow semi-dome resting on spherical triangles to regulate the body's temperature.

3. The Heat Room (Hot Section)

This section contains the baths and hot showers. At its center is an octagonal marble fountain with a central marble basin surrounded by a frame of white and red marble. Concealed behind its thick walls is the water heating and steam distribution system.

The Second Floor

This floor was designated for the residence of the bathhouse attendant (the owner or supervisor).

It contains private bedrooms. Its facade features narrow, turned wooden windows, and the interior is equipped with sliding wooden shutters that close to ensure proper heating, especially during winter.