Vakil Historical Bath, also known as Vakil Hammam, is one of the most remarkable architectural landmarks of Shiraz and a prominent relic of the Zand dynasty. Located on Taleghani Street, just west of Vakil Bazaar, this historic bathhouse once served as an important social and ceremonial space and today functions as an anthropology museum.
After Karim Khan Zand selected Shiraz as the capital of Iran in the 18th century, he ordered the construction of a comprehensive urban complex that included Vakil Bazaar, Vakil Mosque, Vakil Citadel, and Vakil Bath. Built as part of this grand vision, Vakil Bathhouse is considered one of the largest traditional bathhouses in Iran, with a substructure of approximately 8,660 square meters and a total area of about 11,000 square meters.
Following Karim Khan’s reign, subsequent rulers introduced modifications, particularly during the Qajar period, when some areas were reinforced and decorated using cement mortar.
The Sarbineh (cloakroom) is one of the most impressive sections of the bathhouse. This octagonal hall is adorned with elegant arches, stone columns, and intricate muqarnas decorations. An octagonal pool sits at the center, surrounded by raised platforms that once served different social groups, including merchants, scholars, officials, and ordinary citizens. Four small stone basins in front of the platforms were traditionally used by bathers to cool their feet before leaving the bath.
The walls of the Sarbineh feature remarkable lime-based paintings depicting religious and literary themes, such as The Sacrifice of Abraham, The Mi’raj of Prophet Muhammad, and scenes from Persian literature, including the legendary meeting of Farhad and Shirin from Nizami Ganjavi’s epic tales. These artworks reflect the cultural, religious, and artistic values of their time.
Between the Sarbineh and the main bathing area lies a narrow corridor designed to prevent sudden temperature changes. The bathhouse consisted of three main sections for cold, warm, and hot water, all heated through an advanced underground system of narrow channels beneath the stone floor. This ingenious heating method helped retain warmth and produce steam efficiently.
Due to the high humidity of the environment, lime plaster was extensively used on the walls and ceilings, ensuring durability and resistance to moisture.
Historically, Vakil Bathhouse was not merely a place for bathing. It played a vital role in social life and hosted various ceremonies, including wedding rituals, khāstegāri (marriage proposals), henna ceremonies (Hanabandan), and even childbirth-related traditions. One of the most striking sections of the bathhouse today depicts the Hanabandan ceremony through lifelike statues of women preparing for the ritual.
After the Islamic Revolution, the bathhouse briefly operated as a traditional restaurant and tea house before eventually being converted into an Anthropology Museum. Today, visitors can explore displays showcasing traditional clothing, customs, and everyday life in Shiraz, alongside the bathhouse’s impressive architectural features.
Vakil Historical Bath is open to visitors daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
To learn more about the history and architecture of Vakil Bath, visit its Wikipedia page.
