Arghun Bimaristan

The Arghun Hospital, or the Arghun al-Kamili Hospital, is a historic medical facility located in the ancient city of Aleppo, Syria. It was established in 755 AH/1354 AD by Arghun al-Kamili, the deputy of the Mamluk sultanate in Aleppo, who invested significant funds into its construction and allocated endowments from the village of Binnish and other villages. The main entrance of the hospital is situated to the west, adorned with a semi-dome featuring three rows of muqarnas that showcase Mamluk designs and motifs. The hospital comprises of three main wards: the first ward is designated for critical cases, the second is for common illnesses, while the third ward is reserved for women and includes a section for patient recuperation. One of the most notable features of this hospital is that all wards are soundproofed and insulated against heat, ensuring that the cries of the mentally ill do not disturb the comfort of their peers or the surrounding community. Additionally, the building is designed to withstand earthquakes, incorporating wooden elements to absorb movement, which has allowed it to remain intact during seismic events that have affected Aleppo, while many other structures have collapsed. The site was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1986 as part of the ancient city of Aleppo.