Master Craftsman Leads Meticulous Restoration of Historic Kifri Bathhouse

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – A master craftsman with three decades of experience is spearheading a delicate and precise renovation of the historic Pasha's Bath in Kifri, an 18th-century landmark that had fallen into such disrepair it was on the verge of collapse. The project, funded by the Civil Development Organization (CDO), aims to architecturally restore the unique structure to its original form, preserving a vital piece of the region's rich heritage.

The restoration of the bathhouse, built in the mid-18th century, is being led by Sirwan Nasradin Bana, a master plasterer from Kifri. In a report by Kurdistan24's Herem Jaff, Bana emphasized the immense skill and patience required for the task.

"The renovation is very difficult. Truly, not just anyone can do this job, nor can anyone rush through this kind of work and finish it," he stated. "This craft has been passed down to us from our forefathers. I mean, not everyone can learn this plasterwork; it's difficult... Especially this archaeological site—heritage sites in particular—because they are all about the details. And every detail must be worked on with special and meticulous care, and it must be done beautifully."

The bathhouse, topped with two Roman-style domes, was once a central part of life in Kifri, serving as the bathing place for the pasha and local men. Women were also permitted to use the facility twice a week. However, years of neglect led to parts of the structure collapsing, threatening the entire building.

Obeid Mohammed, the Director of Antiquities in Kifri, confirmed the project's significance. "The Pasha's Bath is one of the ancient historical and heritage sites undergoing renovation and preservation work," he told Kurdistan24.

"Its budget is provided by the Civil Development Organization (CDO), and the age of the Pasha's Bath dates back to the mid-18th century. This bathhouse was one of the important places in the city of Kifri because at that time, the bathhouse was here, the caravanserai was here next to it, and so was the Kifri Qaysari (covered market)."

The current restoration addresses long-standing and urgent concerns about the structure's stability.

Previous reports had highlighted the severe risk, with Mohammed having previously stated that there was a 90% chance of collapse if the building was not renovated soon. At that time, it was estimated that 38 million dinars were needed for the restoration.

The city of Kifri, which historical documents suggest has been inhabited for over 5,000 years, is rich with archaeological sites such as its Qaysari, watermills, and rock-cut tombs, many of which remain unexcavated.

According to earlier background information provided to the media, the bathhouse's construction dates to the Baban era in the mid-nineteenth century, between 1850 and 1860, a period when Kifri was a vital commercial hub.

Merchants visiting the city from Garmiyan, Sulaimani, and Baghdad would use the bath. It is considered the only underground bathhouse in the Kurdistan Region, having sunk below ground level over the centuries due to climate change and the passage of time.

Built by local master craftsmen using stone, gypsum, and clay from the surrounding area, the 100-square-meter building features a distinct interior layout. It includes a large reception room for changing, which leads into the main washing area.

This hall contains six individual washing cubicles and a central platform once used for massages. A seventh room housed a hot water pool, heated with black oil and wood sourced from Kifri. Water was supplied through channels originating from Bawa Shaswar.

The bathhouse remained operational until 2003, its closure attributed to the widespread availability of modern bathrooms in private homes. In the years since, it was occasionally used as an art gallery. The renovation not only salvages a crucial piece of Kifri's history but is also seen as a key step in attracting tourism to the ancient city.