Morocco’s Ancient Hammams: Where Tradition Meets Modern Luxury

The architecture of the hammams follows a well-defined logic. These are rooms that gradually go from cold to hot, with vaulted ceilings that retain the steam, and in the center, a furnace room where the wood burns from dawn. But originally, the hammam was much more than just a place of hygiene. A weekly family ritual accessible for barely $2, it was a true community living space. Mohssine Benzakour, a lecturer in psychology at the Higher Institute of Information and Communication, cited by Africanews, recalls its social importance: "The hammam was a space for social interaction and exchange of opinions, because at the time, women were not present in social, political or economic life. The hammam therefore offered them the opportunity to connect and exchange information."

Today, this ancestral place has undergone transformations, modernity obliges. In large cities like Rabat or Casablanca, new hammams offer a different experience, while preserving the Moroccan tradition. "My hammam is traditional, but with a touch of modernity, particularly thanks to the use of different aromatic herbs," explains Hanane Boulharjane, an employee in a modern hammam. Marble tiles replace traditional floors, the steam is scented, and the walls are adorned with zellige, this artisanal ceramic that has been the pride of Morocco for centuries. "I wanted to create a modern hammam, but I made sure to preserve the traditional aspect by using zellige tiles and aromatic herbs, while adding improvements such as soft music, massages, and the possibility of obtaining a private hammam," details Mariam Alaoui, owner of a modern hammam.

The hammam remains intimately linked to the major events in the lives of Moroccans. Whether it’s circumcisions, births or weddings. For brides, for example, special spaces are set up, decorated with candles and scented with bukhur, a traditional North African incense. After the session, we gather to drink tea, rest, and exchange. But today, habits have changed. "Young people live their daily lives at a frantic pace, because of their work, and no longer have much time. Times have changed, it’s no longer like before. For example, for the hammam, they often want to do it in just an hour. That’s why we’re trying to restore some traditions, while innovating," Mariam Alaoui points out.

Ultimately, the future remains uncertain. The cost of wood, water and labor is increasing, making the operation of hammams difficult. Many traditional establishments closed during the Covid-19 pandemic, and water shortages are complicating the situation. "Popular hammams are in decline," confirms Mohssine Benzakour, referring to the evolution of lifestyles and easy access to hot showers at home. Faced with the competition of luxury spas and the demands of a constantly changing society, hammams are at a crossroads. For some Moroccans, they remain a sacred ritual, a living link to their roots. For others, they represent a past that struggles to find its place. The real question is whether these baths, whether old or modern, will be able to evolve to survive in a world that is changing faster and faster.