Bath-houses and Bath Taking in the Iranian Culture* (Scholarly research)

The present article aims to investigate the historical background of baths and bath taking in Iranian culture based on document analysis method. The author first studies the articles on the evolution and construction of baths in the myths of nations.Then, he investigates the different aspects of baths and bath taking in Islamic Shariah focusing on the necessary and forbidden aspects of bath taking according to Islamic texts. He then reminds the duties of the 'Mohtasab' (Municipal Control Officer) concerning baths. The author then introduces bath scents and perfumes. Legends concerning 'bath and jinn' and the reason for these legendary aspects come next. Finally, the author ends up his article with a discussion on "bath and the Persian literature".