Who built the Shahi Hammam and when was it constructed?
Ilam-ud-din Ansari, known as Wazir Khan, built the Shahi Hammam in 1635. He served as the chief physician to the Mughal Court and the Governor of Lahore when he commissioned the Turkish bath.
Questions about Shahi Hammam
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What was the original purpose of the Shahi Hammam in relation to the Wazir Khan Mosque?
The Shahi Hammam was constructed as a waqf, or religious endowment, to generate income for the maintenance of the nearby Wazir Khan Mosque. This financial arrangement created a permanent bond between the bathhouse and the mosque from their inception.
How was the interior of the Shahi Hammam designed to manage light and temperature?
Persian architectural traditions dictated that the baths be illuminated by sunlight filtering through ceiling openings to provide natural ventilation. The building utilized hypocausts, a system of raised floors that allowed hot air to circulate beneath the interior to keep it warm during cold months.
What functions did the Shahi Hammam serve during the 18th and 19th centuries?
The Shahi Hammam fell into disuse and was repurposed as a primary school, a dispensary, and a recreational center during the early British period. The outer facades were modified to accommodate merchant shops, and substantial parts of the building were demolished in the 1860s to facilitate the reconstruction of the Delhi Gate.
When was the Shahi Hammam restored and which organizations led the project?
The restoration of the Shahi Hammam took place between 2013 and 2015. The Aga Khan Trust for Culture worked in partnership with the Walled City of Lahore Authority with significant funding provided by the government of Norway.