English

EUR

Language

Currency

English

Contents

Discover The Inner Workings of The Turkish Baths

Inside

Turkish Baths: A Journey to Relaxation and Wellness

Turkish baths, also known as hammams, offer a time-honored method to relax and promote wellness. This experience includes a series of rituals and treatments that cleanse the body, mind, and soul. The inside of a Turkish bath encloses several rooms with different temperatures and purposes. You will start in the sıcaklık or hot room, which has a high temperature and humidity, opening the pores and releasing toxins. Next, you will move to the göbek taşı or belly stone, a raised platform for a deep massage. Afterward, you will proceed to the soğukluk or cold room to cool down your body and close the pores. You will finish your process with a traditional Turkish scrub in the kese room, performed by a therapist with a special glove that removes dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling soft and refreshed. The experience combines heat, massage, and cleansing rituals to provide a rejuvenating and unique experience.

A Guide to Turkish Baths: A Traditional Middle Eastern Ritual

A Turkish bath, also known as a hammam, is a traditional Middle Eastern form of relaxation that has been practiced for centuries. The experience is designed to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit through a series of rituals and treatments. Here is a breakdown of the inside of a Turkish bath:

Hot Room (Sıcaklık): The sıcaklık, or hot room, is where guests begin their journey. The high temperature creates a hot and humid environment, which helps to open the pores and release toxins from the body.
Belly Stone (Göbek Taşı): The göbek taşı, or belly stone, is a raised platform in the center of the hot room where guests can lie down and receive a deep massage.
Cold Room (Soğukluk): After spending time in the sıcaklık, guests move on to the soğukluk or cold room. This room is designed to cool down the body and close the pores. Guests may also splash themselves with cool water from a fountain or bucket.
Kese Room: The final room is the kese room, where guests receive a traditional Turkish scrub. The scrub is performed by a therapist using a special glove called a kese, which removes dead skin cells and leaves the skin feeling soft and refreshed.

Know More

Inside The Turkish Bath

Hot Room (Sıcaklık)

See all photos

Etiquette and Customs

Dress Code: Despite many Hamams providing a traditional Turkish towel, women are expected to wear a bikini or one-piece swimsuit underneath, and men wear shorts.
Towels and Flip-Flops: Although some Turkish Baths provide towels and flip-flops, it is always more hygienic to bring your own.
Respect Privacy: The Turkish Baths are a communal space, and it is vital to respect others' privacy. You are strictly prohibited from carrying any media-capturing devices into the communal spaces or any of the chambers and antechambers of the hamam.
Toiletries: Some Turkish Baths provide toiletries, but no one can meet your preferences like you. Carry a small pouch of essentials so you are ready to continue your day after your hamam.
Shower before Entering: Before entering the pool or any other bath, it is necessary to shower to keep the water clean.

Plan Your Visit

The Design of a Turkish Bath

The Structure of a Turkish Bath: The design of a Turkish bath is unique, with a central dome that allows natural light to enter the bathhouse. The bath is usually divided into different sections, including a hot room, a cold room, a dressing room, and a massage room. The central dome is the heart of the bathhouse, and it provides a calm and serene atmosphere.
The Layout of a Turkish Bath: The layout of a Turkish bath is designed to promote relaxation and comfort. The bathhouse usually has a circular or square layout with the hot room located in the center. The other rooms are arranged around the hot room, with the cold room usually located next to it. The dressing room is located at the entrance, while the massage room is located at the back of the bathhouse.
The Rooms of a Turkish Bath: The Turkish bath has several rooms, each with a specific purpose. The dressing room is where visitors undress and leave their belongings. The hot room, also known as the steam room, is where visitors sweat out toxins and impurities from their bodies. The cold room, also known as the cooling room, is where visitors cool down after spending time in the hot room. The massage room is where visitors receive a relaxing massage.

Know More

Turkish Baths: The Intersection of Health and Culture

The Health Benefits of Turkish Baths

Turkish baths were initially designed to cleanse the body and soul, as bathing was seen as a spiritual practice. The purpose of Turkish baths evolved, with some used for socializing and others used for healing.

Detoxification: Heat and steam from the bath help open pores and release toxins from the body. This can lead to a stronger immune system and healthier skin.
Skin health: The heat and steam remove dead skin cells, promoting new cell growth for softer, smoother, and more radiant skin.
Stress relief: The warm and soothing environment of a Turkish bath can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, especially when combined with other spa treatments.
Improved circulation: Heat and steam dilate blood vessels, leading to better blood flow, reduced inflammation, and healing.
Mental health benefits: The rituals and relaxing atmosphere of a Turkish bath can reduce stress and anxiety, and the tea ritual can promote a sense of calm and well-being.

The Cultural Significance of Turkish Baths

The Turkish bath has a rich cultural significance in Turkish society, beyond its health benefits. Here are some of the ways Turkish baths have played an important role in Turkish culture:

Communal Bathing: A Turkish bath is a place where people of all backgrounds can come together and enjoy the benefits of communal bathing.
Social and Political Meetings: In the past, Turkish baths were important meeting places for discussing important matters and making business deals.
Continuing Tradition: Turkish baths remain an important part of Turkish culture today and are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Literary and Artistic Depictions: Turkish bathhouses have featured heavily in literature and art, with their unique beauty and ambiance captured beautifully.
Literary Works and Paintings: Several literary works, including novels, poems, and essays, have been written about the Turkish bath, and several scenes have been painted, highlighting its cultural importance.

‌
‌
‌

How to Buy Turkish Baths Tickets?

Tickets to Historical Cemberlitas Hamam in Sultanahmet

Free Cancellation

Instant Confirmation

Mobile Ticket

Flexible Duration

More details

from

€45

Acemoglu Historical Hamam with Private Options

Free Cancellation

Instant Confirmation

Mobile Ticket

45 min. - 1 hr. 20 min.

More details

from

€35

Frequently Asked Questions about the inside of Turkish Baths

What is a Turkish Bath?

A Turkish Bath, also known as a Hammam, is a traditional method of cleansing and relaxation that originated in the Ottoman Empire. It is a bathing ritual that involves steam, heat, and massage, and is often seen as a social activity in Turkish culture.

What is the history behind Turkish Baths?

Turkish Baths have a rich history that dates back to ancient Roman and Greek times. They were introduced to the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century and became an important part of Turkish culture, with many bathhouses built throughout the country. Today, Turkish Baths continue to be an important cultural and social institution in Turkey.

What are the health benefits of a Turkish Bath?

Visiting a Turkish Bath can provide numerous health benefits, including detoxification, improved circulation, stress relief, and softer, smoother skin. The heat and steam help to open up pores and release toxins from the body, while also promoting new cell growth and better blood flow.

What should I wear to a Turkish Bath?

Most Turkish Baths provide towels and slippers for their visitors. It is recommended to wear a swimsuit or shorts and a t-shirt for comfort.

Can men and women visit the same Turkish Bath?

It depends on the specific Turkish Bath. Traditional bathhouses have separate hours or sections for men and women, while the newer, more modern ones are co-ed.

What happens during a Turkish Bath session?

During a Turkish Bath session, visitors typically move through a series of rooms or chambers that vary in temperature and humidity levels. They may receive a massage or scrub from an attendant, and are encouraged to relax and unwind in the peaceful atmosphere.

How long should I stay in a Turkish Bath?

The length of a Turkish Bath session can vary, but typically lasts between 30 minutes to 1 hour however, you can stay for as long as want within the operating hours.

Is it necessary to tip at a Turkish Bath?

Although tipping is not mandatory in Turkish Baths, you are expected by the staff to leave a tip for the attendants who provide massages or other treatments.

What are the etiquette rules to follow at a Turkish Bath?

Visitors should be respectful of others and follow the rules and customs of the specific Turkish Bath. It is important to be clean and courteous, and to avoid being too loud or disruptive.

Can I visit a Turkish Bath if I have a medical condition?

It depends on the specific medical condition. Visitors should consult with their doctor before visiting a Turkish Bath if they have any concerns about their health.