Founded by the late Mohammad Tasooji, the historical Sheikh Bathhouse of Salmas was built with Iranian traditional style of architecture in the new section of Salmas Township. The construction project started after the 1309 (1930) earthquake and was concluded in three years (1312/1933).

The historical building covers an area of 860 sqm. The needed water of the bathhouse was supplied by the two eastern and western springs of the town. Hot and cold water were prepared in separate roofed chambers. To prepare the hot water, a large copper vessel called the “Tian” was filled with water and placed over burning woods and animal wastes.

In the 40s, the plumbing was initiated to facilitate the water supply system, and the bathhouse furnace started to work on fuel oil and gasoline.

Sheikh Bathhouse of Salmas is the first and oldest public bathhouse which was built in Salmas after the 1309 (1930) earthquake. It was originally called the Tasooji Bathhouse, but later was dubbed as the Sheikh Bathhouse, after Haj Mojtaba Entezari, aka the “Sheikh”, who was the bathhouse overseer.

The bathhouse has two private and public sections. It was used two days a week by women, and the five days a week by men. The bathhouse was in use until it was closed down after the death of the Sheikh in 1364 (1985).

As the only surviving work of traditional architecture in Salmas, the Sheikh Bathhouse holds great value not just because of its long history, but for the architectural style as well.

As a result of efforts by the Cultural Heritage, Handicraft and Tourism Organization of West Azerbaijan, Sheikh Bathhouse of Salmas was registered in the list of Iran’s National Heritage (no. 3475) in 1379 (2000).

Source: Iran Tourism Website