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The European Commission is involved in a research project that may impact on the future of hammams in Fez. Sadly, many are closing but now that may be about to change.

A sustainable future for Hammams

The Islamic bathhouse, the Hammam, was a central part of the social and cultural life of civilisation around the Mediterranean, where religious, artistic and ceremonial activities took place. Serving a number of functions, it was a source for healthcare and hygiene, as well as for potable water. But the Hammam was also one of the rare public meeting places for women and it provided a place for relaxation. The EU-funded project HAMMAM (the Hammam, Aspects and Multidisciplinary Methods of Analysis for the Mediterranean Region) was an international research collaboration aimed at developing new ways of adapting the old Hammam to contemporary Islamic life. Different scenarios were studied regarding the joint usage of the Hammam by both locals and tourists.

One of the principal goals of the HAMMAM project was to understand and evaluate the role of the Hammam, the technology involved in running it and the rules by which it is governed. The HAMMAM research team, led by Dr Heidi Dumreicher from Oikodrom, the Vienna Institute for Urban Sustainability, studied from a local perspective the cultural, economic and technical aspects of six specific Hammams in five different southern Mediterranean countries and one in Turkey. In Egypt, the institution is in decline, but in Morocco, for example, such public bathes continue to be built even in new, modern areas. Different innovative approaches are developed for the sustainable use of the various sites. The researchers also assessed the risks involved in renovating traditional Hammams and running them on a daily basis.

If the Hammams were to disappear, Islamic cities would lose an important part of their cultural heritage, with unfortunate consequences for society and the quality of urban life. Therefore, particular attention was paid to local technology, the revival of traditional construction methods, the recycling of water, the reduction of environmental pollution and the use of renewable energy.

All the sites chosen for this study are still operational and have been maintained and renovated over the centuries by the local inhabitants. The team was careful to involve members of the community with the evaluation of the Hammams and the development of plans for their future use. One of the areas chosen, the Medina of Fez, is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a wonderful example of an Islamic city still containing most of its original traditional buildings and public facilities.

The project went some way to both maintain and reassess the Hammam as a centre of cultural heritage, filled with architectural, technological, historical and social significance. It also came up with options to help it adapt to the requirements of modern life. Future implementation plans need to take into consideration the requirements of the local stakeholders and inhabitants so that the Hammam can develop into a sustainable resource for the local neighbourhood and the city.


Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news