"Hammam" .. El Malek El-Zaher Bathhouse
( Named as after the Mamloukian Sultan El-Zaher El-Adel Bebars El Birakdar )
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If you are visiting Syria, and passing through its heart in the old city of Damascus, don't ever miss the chance of visiting the historic Arabian "Hammam" or bath, it is a unique experience you will never forget.. You will definetly enjoy going through the different stages of the Hammam, and surely you will feel as newly born, fresh, energetic and clean when you end your sweating in the steam room, scrabed by a specialist, and relaxed after a terrific massage session, and at the end if you are a smoker, enjoy smoking the "Arjilah" waterpipe while drinking hot mint tea or "zohourat" boiled natural herbs.
One of the best hammams in old Damascus is El Malek El-Zaher Bathhouse, owned and managed by one of my dearest Syrian friends Mr Bassam Kobab, a gentleman who is keen of keeping the authenticity of the bath and preserve its traditions from the generous hospitality to the bathhouse procedures.
The photos in this gallery didn't aim to show the various steps in the Hammam, as much as they aimed to show its spirit and atmosphere, until you are lucky to practice and live the experience by yourself..
Please enjoy, and send your comments if you like it..