Derviş Ağa Bath (Çukur Bath)

One of Birgi’s monumental structures, the Derviş Ağa Bathhouse (also known as Çukur Bathhouse and referred to in some sources as Şeyh Muhiddin Bathhouse), lacks an inscription, leaving no clear information about its construction. Other structures built by Derviş Ağa provide some information about the bathhouse. The presence of Derviş Ağa Madrasa and Derviş Ağa Mosque in the same area suggests that the building is part of a complex.

Due to the date provided on the madrasa’s inscription, it is assumed that the bathhouse was constructed after 1657. It is understood from the same inscription that this group of buildings was also commissioned by Derviş Ağa. The structure is built around a square heating area with private bathing rooms arranged around it. The exterior of the building has a rough wall texture made of rubble stone and brick. The domes on the top of the bathhouse, regularly spaced, are made from a similar stone-brick mixture as the walls and allow light into the building through the dome windows. The main entrance on the west side of the building is made with a pointed arch recess and round brick masonry. The changing area of the bathhouse is no longer standing today. (Anonymous)