Hamam Omerye Baths

=Hamam Baths=

[http://www.hamambaths.com Hamam Omerye] in Nicosia, Cyprus is a 14th Century building restored to operate once again as a hammam for all to enjoy, relax and rejuvenate - it is indeed a place to rest.

Dating back to French rule and located in the heart of Nicosia's old town is [http://www.hamambaths.com Hamam Omerye] - a true working example of Cyprus' rich culture and diversity, stone struggle, yet sense of freedom and flexibility.

History of Hamam Omerye

The site's history dates back to the 14th century, when it stood as an Augustinian church of St. Mary. Stone-built, with small domes, it is chronologically placed at around the time of Frankish and Venetian rule, approximately the same time that the city acquired its Venetian Walls.In 1571, Mustapha Pasha converted the church into a mosque, believing that this particular spot is where the prophet Omer rested during his visit to Lefkosia.Most of the original building was destroyed by Ottoman artillery, although the door of the main entrance still belongs to the 14th century Lusignan building, whilst remains of a later Renaissance phase can be seen at the north-eastern side of the monument. In 2003, the [EU] funded a bi-communal UNDP/UNOPS project, "Partnership for the Future", in collaboration with Nicosia Municipality and Nicosia Master Plan, to restore the [http://www.hamambaths.com Hamam Omerye] Bath, revitalising its spirit and sustaining its historical essence.

pa & Wellness

The hamam is still in use today and after its recent restoration project, it has become a favourite place for relaxation in Lefkosia. In 2006 it received the Europa Nostra prize for the Conservation of Architectural Heritage.

ee also

*Haseki Hürrem Sultan Hamamı
*Hamam Omerye Baths
*Süleymaniye hamam
*Bath house
*Onsen and sentō, the Japanese equivalents
*Culture of the Ottoman Empire
*Harem
*Köçek
*Ottoman Turkish language
*Soapland
*Gellért Baths
*Király Baths
*Rudas Baths
*Steam Shower
*The Spanish placename Alhama and the Portuguese Alfama derive from the Arabic word.

External links

Hamam History
* [http://www.cyberbohemia.com/Pages/Islahammam.htm Hamams in Islamic tradition (cyberbohemia.com)]

Example Hamams
* [http://www.hamambaths.com Official website of 14th century Hamam Omerye in Nicosia, Cyprus]
* [http://www.cagalogluhamami.com.tr/ Official website of the Cağaloğlu Hamam in Istanbul]
* [http://www.riad-aguerzame.com/dar-tamara-hammam-traditionnel-maroc.htm Official website of Dar Tamara Hamam in Marrakech]
* [http://www.titanic-titanic.com/titanic_turkish_bath.shtml Titanic's Turkish Baths]
* [http://www.mymerhaba.com/Top-10-Hamams-in-Turkey-784.html mymerhaba.com] Top 10 list of Hamams in Turkey

Photos of Hamams in Muslim and Arabic countries
* [http://www.pascalmeunier.com/reportages_photos_en.php?piId=117/ Baths in Syria, Iran, Turkey, Morocco, Yemen...]
* [http://www.pascalmeunier.com/reportages_photos_en.php?piId=1269/ The last public bathhouses of Cairo : photos by Pascal Meunier]

Introduction of Turkish baths to Europe
* [http://www.victorianturkishbath.org Comprehensive site on the Victorian Turkish bath]