Almanbet Zairov, who is 42 years old and a teacher by profession, became famous as a steam master, managing to turn an ordinary bath into a process that promotes spiritual cleansing.
Almanbet developed a love for bathing traditions thanks to his late friend, the renowned athlete Osmonaly Karaev. He taught him to appreciate steam, maintain perfect cleanliness, and understand the inner aspects of this culture. "At first, I just held the door, then I learned to endure the heat on the upper shelves. When Osmonaly got tired, I would take his place. Since 2009, we spent most of the week in the bath," Almanbet recounts.
According to him, the culture of the bathhouse in Osh is much more developed than in other regions. Preparing the bath begins with thorough cleaning—the room must be washed "to a shine" before visitors are allowed in.
In the baths of Osh, there exists an unspoken hierarchy and a set of rules:
- Layering of heat. Steam is distributed across 3-4 levels, and everyone chooses the height that corresponds to their health condition. Going lower is not a shame, but a sensible choice.
- Authority of the master. Visitors follow the steam master's instructions. In Osh, the steam master is not just service staff but the one who manages the process.
- Steam should bring pleasure. "Some pour water with ladles, burning people while stocking up on cold water themselves. This is wrong. Steam should bring joy, not suffering," explains Zairov.
Almanbet does not consider himself a doctor, but he shares his experience, which he has accumulated over years of practice. His approach is gradual: he pours water "in grams," taking into account the number of people and their health. In his opinion, the heat should not burn the skin but should "penetrate to the bones."
First round: water is poured at the bottom, for the feet.
Second and third rounds: gradual increase of steam.
Air movement: soft, enveloping movements so that the steam "absorbs" into the body.
The question of diving into icy water after the bath sparks debates. Almanbet recalls how two doctors discussed this right in the bath. The cardiologist then advised: "If your health allows—dive in immediately, headfirst. 30-60 seconds in the cold reduces the risk of thrombosis." However, the master warns: the bath is not a substitute for medical examinations. Everyone should know their limits and not disturb others' relaxation if their health does not permit.
Although "Parshchik" is often recognized on the street, which simplifies his daily tasks, Almanbet dreams of his own project. He wants to build a guest complex for 10-15 people in the Ken-Sai massif area, where the traditions of national cuisine and proper bathing would be combined.
According to Almanbet Zairov, the bathhouse (buukana) is not a place for competition of "who can sit longer," but a space for moral and physical renewal. "The bath is not about rivalry. It's about cleanliness, culture, and inner peace," he asserts.
