The Daut Pasha’s Hammam

The Daut Pasha’s Hammam is one of the oldest hammams in Skopje. It is located on the left coast of the Vardar River, just a few meters away from the Stone Bridge. It is a double bath and it is considered as the most monumental building of the Islamic profane architecture in our country, given its dimensions and artistic value. It was built in the second half of the XV century by Daut Pasha, who was ranking high in the Ottoman Empire. Daut Pasha is mentioned as an Anatolian and Rumelian Beylerbey and as a Bosnian Sanjak-bey.
The exact year of construction of the Daut Pasha’s hammam is unknown, and the inscription placed on the building after its completion has not been preserved either. However, according to certain data, it can be assumed that it was built between 1468 and 1497. It covers a total area of 900 m2. The male and female sides are placed next to each other, as is the most common case in all of the double hammams. The male side had an entrance positioned on the west side on the main street of the bazaar, beginning from the Stone Bridge, while the entrance to the female side was slightly hidden and was located on a side street, facing north. The water tank and fireplace served both the males and females, and were located on the east side. According to Salih Asim, the Daut Pasha’s hammam had 99 fountains.
According to one legend, the hammam never actually started working. As the legend tells, when the construction of the hammam was completed and the Pasha visited with his harem, instead of water - snakes appeared (according to one version - a snake bit the beloved daughter of Daut Pasha). He considered it God's punishment since he build the hammam on the site of an early Christian church (St. Demetrius), allegedly demolished by the Turks, when they occupied Skopje. It was then, when the Pasha ordered building of a new church, on the site where it still stands today. Jovan Vasiljevikj states that “the church was built on the same site where it was in past times” and explains that the folklore traditions regarding the relocation of the church have their own genesis in the legends of St. Demetrius, quite famous among the people.
According to preserved data regarding the income of the hammam (the rent for the period 1546-1568 was 5,833 akçes) - such and similar opinions and beliefs are unfounded. The building later served as a warehouse, and over time it was surrounded by small shops. Today, the Daut Pasha’s hammam is adapted for its new function as the National Gallery of Macedonia.