Čifte Hammam, Skopje

Čifte Hammam, dating back to the mid-15th century, stands as a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage and has undergone various transformations throughout its history.

Čifte Hammam was commissioned and constructed by Isa-Beg Ishaković, a Bosnian general. The primary objective of building this hammam was to establish a consistent source of income for his endowment. Much like other vakufs (charitable trusts) of the time, the revenue generated from this facility played a crucial role in supporting philanthropic and religious causes.

The name "Čifte Hammam" is derived from the Turkish word "çift," meaning "two" or "couple," and appropriately so, as the building comprises two main sections. This architectural design allowed for the segregation of male and female bathers, emphasizing the importance of privacy and modesty.

The hammam features separate dressing rooms for men and women, with a communal bath area in between. Within this facility, there were three distinct rooms with elevated temperatures, each serving its unique purpose. Notably, one of these rooms included a pool designed for the ritual bathing of Skopje's Jewish community.

In more recent times, since 2001, Čifte Hammam has been repurposed as an exhibition space as part of the National Institution "National Gallery of Macedonia." It plays an integral role in the city's cultural life by hosting various exhibitions that highlight both traditional and contemporary artistic expressions.