Introduction to Nobar Bath
Nobar Bath, is one of the unique attractions in Tabriz, dating back to the Qajar era. This olden bath is known as the Vazir Bath. Historical places, those that were places to gather people around, still have kept the atmosphere inside its walls. Areas like olden bazaars, public bathhouses, and worships are such places that have recorded the most important ones within their layers and now are ready to express them differently.
History of Nobar Bath
During the Ilkhanate, many baths were built in Persia. But due to humidity and heat, most of these baths were destroyed. Also, due to the earthquake, the city of Tabriz lost most of its valuable buildings. Baths usually were built next to the caravanserais, at the main entrance of cities. During those years, an earthquake happened which destroyed the city of Tabriz. Following the earthquake, a new barrier was built around the city, which according to historical documents, it included 8 to 12 gates. So, new caravanserais and of course, new baths were built again.
That is why the date of constructing most of the monuments in Tabriz goes back to the Qajar period. Nobar bath is one of these historical examples. This 140-years-old bath was built next to Nobar Gate. Nowadays, the city of Tabriz has been developed, and there is no trace of that barrier. So, this historic place is located at the center of Tabriz. It might be interesting to know that the architect of this bath was Balakazem from Qara Aghaj.
Architecture of Nobar Bath
The construction and design of the olden baths in Persia might make you a bit confused; While entering these monuments, you may think you are in a maze, because there are connecting paths between each section, even you would turn around the main washing part, and then, get to the dressing section. Even there might be a path from the entrance to other different parts! In the following, we will introduce the parts of Nobar bath.
Different parts of the Bath
The Nobar Bath consists of two main parts and eleven sub-parts with a courtyard. You can enter this bath from the entrance possessed in the street. The entrance gets to a long hall. This part leads you to a section in which, people used to take their clothes off named Sarbineh from three sides (you will come cross a shop on the way). On two paths, you see stores, and on the paths including stairs, you see a café too. Likewise, we can cross a rectangular-base corridor named Mian, or Mian-Dar, which was used a lot in winter, when the phlegm temperament prevails in humans, so that a person can go to the dressing room from the Garm Khaneh, or washing par with a delay. So, the washing part would not get cold all at once. The position of these two entrances, as well as the entrance gate of Mian-Dar on the three sides of Sarbineh (dressing room), has formed regular and clear traffic paths.
The dressing room is an 8-corner space, vaulted in the middle, including a large dome built on eight large stone pillars. Plus, you will see an octagonal pool in the middle of this section. The washing part could be mentioned as the spelling glamorous part of the Nobar Bath. This part includes a great arch and a dome held by the delightful mogharnas pillars and capitals, which with the combination of bricks, tiles, and dazzling inscription at the entrance, have gained such charm and delight. The main bathroom consists of 4 stone bases in the center. Else, a large pillar is constructed at the central part.
Since Nobar Bath is an old mud-brick monument, due to the damage caused by the humidity of the environment, it has been repaired several times over the years. Nowadays, it is used as a traditional restaurant in Tabriz (in fact, it’s the first traditional restaurant of this city). Besides, to make the best use of this building, the roof is dedicated to the teahouse. You can enjoy the performance of screen reading and narrations held there.