Bath and Sūq al-Qīšāni

 

 Ḥammām al-Qīšāni (980/1572)  from the waqf of Darwīš Pāša, which was still operating as such until 1905, was converted into a sūq in 1324 (1906-1907). Cook (1900), Kremer (1851), and Sāmi Bek (1890) all say it was the most famous, best or at least largest ḥammām in Damascus. A court file from 1264/1848 describes a complex much like other bathhouses, with a middle (وسطاني) and inner (جوّاني) sections. After a short period of inactivity, in 1323/1906 the management applied to the court for permission to convert the premises, which were opened as Sūq al-Qāsimi in 1325/1907-1908. It is no longer mentioned as a bathhouse in Baedeker of 1906, 1910, and 1912, while a court file from 1327/1908 refers to Sūq al-Qīšāni. 

Alterations: the paintings in the dome of the undressing hall (apodyterium المشلح أو البرّاني) were probably done towards the end of the 19th century. The east section was rebuilt, using the old marble, as a bazar street with a new tin barrel roof. At the same time corner shops were built into the former apodyterium supported by steel girders. The marble floor in the undressing hall is partly in situ.

Michel Écochard & Claude Le Coeur. Les Bains de Damas: monographies architecturales, Parts 1-2 . Institut français de Damas. Imprimerie catholique, Beyrouth 1942-1943.      

Stefan Weber. Damascus Ottoman Modernity and Urban Transformation 1808-1918. Proceedings of the Danish Institute in Damascus V 2009.