Special importance

[Picture source: © 2009 Stefan Knost]

The Hammam Raqban displays an interesting adjustment to changing modes of use of the hammams in Aleppo. It was transformed into a double hammam for simultaneous use by male and female customers. This transformation probably happened during the first half of the 20^th century. It was thus able to offer services to both men -- like those working in the nearby khans and qasariyyas, asking for short term use, like taking a shower -- and women parties, which would occupy the larger and more convenient traditional part of the building for a longer time.[1] This confirms the hammam’s important role for the female part of society, because the famous ‘hammam-parties’ represent a rare occasion for women of different households to meet in a sort of semi-public environment. A number of travellers have described this role that aroused their curiosity because they were unable to intrude upon this part of local society. The Russells, among the most precise observers, note in the 18^th century:

“On ordinary days, women of every rank are admitted promiscuously, till the rooms are quite full. The confusion that reigns in such an assembly, may easily be conceived; the noise is often heard in passing the street, and, when there happens to be a number of young children, the women themselves acknowledge the din to be intolerable. They however are fond to excess of going thither, amid inconveniences of which they perpetually complain. But the Bagno is almost the only public female assembly[.][2] The example of Hammam Raqban shows that this important role continues well into present times.

The endowment of Hasan Ibn Raqban is important, because it shows that significant investments into the urban space during the first century of Ottoman rule happened not only in the city’s center, but in the eastern suburb as well. Unfortunately, the founder is totally unknown to us. This is not astonishing in itself, as bibliographical dictionaries focus on scholars, while other groups, especially merchants, are almost totally absent. There are very few other sources for the 16^th century.

Current situation

In 2008, the Hammam Raqban was open to the public. The sabil and the maktab were not in use, but in rather good condition. The current situation of the buildings is not known.