Almanbet Zairov, who is 42 years old, is a teacher by profession. However, outside the walls of the educational institution, he is recognized as a master of the bathing art, capable of transforming an ordinary visit to the bath into a sacred ritual of purification.
His passion for the bath came from a late friend, the renowned athlete Osmonaly Karaev. It was Osmonaly who taught Almanbet to appreciate the steam, maintain perfect cleanliness, and understand the philosophy of this process. "At first, I just held the door; later, I began to endure the heat on the upper shelves. When he got tired, I would take his place. Since 2009, we spent most of our time in the bath," he shares.
In Zairov's opinion, the culture of steam in Osh is significantly higher than in other places. The process begins with thorough preparation of the room, which is cleaned to a shine before visitors arrive.
In the baths of the Osh region, there is an unspoken hierarchy and etiquette:
- Layering of heat. The steam is distributed across 3-4 levels. Everyone chooses the height that corresponds to their health. It is not shameful but wise to move lower if it becomes uncomfortable.
- The authority of the parshchik. Visitors follow the master's instructions without objection. In the city of Osh, the steam master is not just a service worker but the organizer of the entire process.
- Steam as pleasure, not punishment. "Some pour water in large quantities, burning people, while they themselves bring cold water to avoid overheating. This is wrong. Steam should bring joy, not suffering," notes Zairov.
Almanbet does not consider himself a doctor but shares his accumulated experience. His approach is based on gradualness. He serves water "in grams," taking into account the number of people and their condition. In his opinion, the heat should not burn the skin but should "penetrate to the bones."
First stage: serving water for the feet from below.
Second and third stages: gradual increase of steam.
Airflow: soft, enveloping movements so that the steam "absorbs" into the body.
The discussion about whether to dive into icy water after the steam room remains open. Almanbet recalls a case when two doctors argued about this topic in the bath. The cardiologist advised: "If your health allows, jump right in, headfirst. 30-60 seconds in the cold reduces the risk of thrombosis." However, the master warns: the bath is not a medical examination. Everyone should feel their limits and not disturb others if their condition worsens.
Although "Parshchik" is easily recognized on the street, which helps him in his daily affairs, he dreams of having his own business. His plan is to build a guest complex for 10-15 people in the Ken-Sai massif area, where the traditions of national cuisine and proper bathing will be combined.
According to Almanbet Zairov, the steam room (buukana) is not a competition of "who can endure longer," but a space for moral and physical renewal. "The bath is not about rivalry. It is about cleanliness, culture, and inner peace," he asserts.
