Public Baths Built in the Urban Centers of Syria during the Mamluk Period

Abstract

Baths stood as one of the most significant public institutions found in Syria during the Islamic period. It was commonly known that baths structure grew from simple Roman and Byzantine models, yet they matured the most following their implementation in different urban contexts during the Mamluk period. Public Baths, becoming an essential element in urban life, have witnessed several changes on a social, economic and architectural levels. Yet, not all aspects have been covered. This paper highlights the various aspects and factors behind the bath’s significant growth. The paper’s main focus is on the great effect that the urban context had not only on the bath’s social and economic level but on its architectural variations in terms of plans and elevations.