TEHRAN –More funding is needed for the unfinished restoration of a Safavid-era (1501-1736) public bathhouse in Barzok, a small city near ancient Kashan, central Isfahan province.

Currently, the restoration of this bathroom is half-finished, and more budget needs to be allocated to this project, ISNA reported on Tuesday.

The structure, which dates some 400 years, was inscribed on the national heritage list in 2006.

Bathhouses or ‘hammams’ in Iran were not the only places for bathing and cleaning up. They had a social concept for people who gathered at these places weekly.

It was a place where people talked with each other about their daily life and shared humor and news. There are still bathhouses in Iranian cities, but they do not have their social function anymore since most people have bathrooms in their homes due to the modern lifestyle.

Some cities had separate bathhouses for men and women. They were usually built next to each other. However, there were some bathhouses, which were used by men and women at different times of the day.

Persian literature is full of proverbs, narrations, and folk stories about bathhouses, which indicate the importance of the place in the pastime.

Barzok is famous for its enormous gardens and flower fields. The city is a top destination for nature lovers and rural tourists.

The city is also the largest supplier of flowers for Kashan and the surrounding areas.

The city’s natural beauty is spectacular in all seasons, especially in autumn, when trees with yellow and red leaves make the gardens even more captivating.

There are a variety of historical and natural attractions in this city, including a holy shrine, cistern, historical cave, water mill, public bathhouse, museum, mansions, and a public bathhouse.

ABU/AM