In Kairouan, the oldest “hammam” and most famous ones are the following:

• “Hammam” Zoghbar (see photo)
• “Hammam” EL Bey
• “Hammam” Taktak (Ex Hamam Louhaïchi)
• “Hammam” Rahba
• “Hammam” Gargabia (where my mother formerly took me along until an advanced adolescence)

Currently the “hammams” are everywhere in each district and are very well attended especially in the winter in spite of the urban development and the installation of the bathrooms by the private individuals.

Men attend generally the morning, women afternoons, starting from 14 H. However, it is strongly advised for men to early rise and go to the “Hammam”.

At the entrance one passes by a large room which acts as changing room and where one also rests while leaving. Cabins on the floor enable you to arrange your clothing.

One gives you a “fouta” to protect the body and a “kobkab” (wooden shoe). Inside, you penetrate gently from room to room in increasingly hot temperature until you reach “bit skhoun” (the hot chamber) supplied with the “fernak” where you take a little heat and vapour facilitating the elimination of dead skins and their clogging.

Then the “tayeb” (employed by “hammam” owner and charged to wash or massage the customers who wish to do so) or “harza” (for women) make a special massage which carried out with competence and particular care and to wash you head to toe with “tfal” (clay with wild geranium).

Finally you take “mathara” (small closet) to wash your intimate parts. At the exit one gives you either two “fouta”, one surrounding the body and the other on the shoulders or you carry your own bath cap.

An old proverb says “Your entrance to the “hammam” is so simple but your exit is quite difficult”, fear of catching a cold. An advice then is to take care of yourself and take the necessary time before taking again your new clothes “sarr” (scarf folded into four) wearing your clothing) and leaving “bichfa” (good cure).

Because the “hammam” cures diseases in particular rheumatism, improves the blood circulation, eliminates stress and fatigue, hardened the skin and you find energy and tonicity for a whole week.

Stressed or tired get a “hammam” ?

By leaving the “hammam” one should pass by the “ftayri " of the corner to take a “ftira” or a “sfenja” as a breakfast. Thereafter you will go right to the hairdresser. You will spend doubtless a pleasant week “Saha lik” (“Rabi Yatik Saha- God gives you health) “Amine”.

Mohamed Rebai
info@kairouan.org