bimar

Bimar, also known as Bimara or Bimaristan, refers to a historical type of hospital or institution for the sick in the medieval Islamic world. These institutions served a crucial role in providing healthcare to a wide range of people, regardless of their social status or religious affiliation. Bimaristan were often established and funded by rulers, wealthy individuals, or religious endowments.

The facilities of a bimaristan were quite advanced for their time. They typically included separate wards for different types of illnesses, such as fevers, eye ailments, and mental health conditions. Beyond medical treatment, these institutions also functioned as centers for medical education and research. Physicians would train apprentices within the bimaristan, and scholars would conduct studies and write medical texts. Libraries were often attached, containing valuable medical manuscripts.

Bimaristan played a significant role in the development of medical knowledge. They accumulated extensive case histories and observations that contributed to a deeper understanding of diseases and treatments. The compassionate care provided within these institutions, including provisions for mental health, highlighted a holistic approach to healing. The concept of the bimaristan influenced the development of hospitals in other parts of the world.