Nasiriyah’s last public bathhouse keeps drawing loyal crowd

NASIRIYAH — Hammam al-Haydari, a public bathhouse in the old market of Nasiriyah, continues to operate more than 40 years after its founding, maintaining a steady clientele even as most homes now have modern bathrooms.

Established in 1980 and opened in 1982 by owner Hassan Ward, the bathhouse sits on Street 20 in central Nasiriyah. A visit costs 3,000 dinars ($2) and includes access to the main bathing area, steam room and massage services.

Visitors store their belongings in lockers and keep the keys with them during their stay. Ward said the appeal of the hammam goes beyond basic hygiene.

“The home bath is not like the public bath. Here, the client feels psychological comfort and has a chance to meet others,” Ward said.

To receive a massage, visitors first spend 15 minutes in the steam room, then move on to the session and finish with another bath.

Clients include workers, soldiers far from home and residents looking for a break from daily routines. Ward said that in the past, when electricity and water were limited, many people relied on public baths, and that despite improved services at home, loyal customers still return.

Adel Abdul-Hussein, a regular visitor, said he has been coming weekly for years.

“Everything we need is here, like steam and massage. These are not available in home bathrooms,” he said. He added that unlike the quick five-minute showers at home, he stays for up to half an hour at the hammam to relax.

Hammam al-Haydari is now the last remaining public bathhouse in Nasiriyah.