Historical Turkish bath becomes venue

The Vezir Bath in ?anl?urfa is now serving as a venue for traditional events organized in the city, with its 1,200 square-meters filled with oriental furnitureA historical Turkish bath, which was functional for more than three centuries in the southeastern province of ?anl?urfa, is now serving modern-day tourists. Following restoration work, the Vezir Bath has been decorated with oriental furniture and now hosts traditional events.

Located in central Eyyübiye district Yusuf Pa?a neighborhood, the Vezir Bath was built in 1730 by Mutasarr?f Arapkirli Yusuf Pa?a and served as a bath until a few years ago. 

Though the bath had become worn out with time and lost people's interest, it was restored to its original state with the financial support of the Karacada? Development Agency.

Restoration ended a year ago at the 1,200 square-meter bath, which now has a very different appearance, with oriental furniture in its all rooms and sections. 

Fountains, bath basins and water outlets are all together with the furniture in the historical bath, which is brightly lit thanks to sun light filtering from its domes. It is now hosting Henna Nights, during which the hands and feet of the bride and guests are tattooed, and the S?ra Nights, which features a gathering of people eating and singing songs with traditional musical instruments.

The operator of the bath, Seydi Vakkas Çiçek, said the historical bath had become idle because of the indifference of people but had gained a new function with the restoration. 

Çiçek said the restoration did not damage the bath's foundation, adding, "None of the stones in the bath received damage during the restoration and decoration. Fountains, water outlets and bath basins in the...