Turkish Hammams and Istanbul Hammams

TURKISH HAMAMS

It is a very ancient tradition to construct baths within cities. Yet the term "hammam" brings the Romans to mind because they combined their advanced engineering skills with their much developed taste for comfort the Ottomans preserved the hammam tradition of the Romans and built many new hammams at different points throughout Istanbul. These hammams combined with the elements of Ottoman culture, have gained a distinctive identity under the name "Turkish bath" with the gradual loss of the hamam tradition in the west. A visit to Istanbul cannot be complete without see the historical hammams, some of which trace back to the Roman period

The main characteristics of Ottoman hammams can be described as follows :They are generally high-domed buildings with large, marble platforms on which people lie and sweal. During the Ottoman period, hammal's were not only places to bathe, but also p]aces of entertainment. Entertaining activities seasoned with the music and performances of belly dancers were the most important social activity for Ottoman women.

In hammams, woman chose their sons' brides to be and girls "presented" themselves. Even if people's hygienic habits have changed considerably, there is stil interest in going to hammams thanks to recreational activities, which are known as "hammam delights."

CEMBERLITAS HAMAM

This is one of the most famous hammams of Istanbul. it was designed by Architect Sinan in 1584 and built by Nurbanu Sultan, who was the mother of the Ottoman Sultan Murat III. The Cemberlitas Hammam, which offers service for women and men separately, is open every day from 6.00 AM to 12.00 Midnight. Address: Vezirhan Sokak. No: 8 Cemberlitas

CAGALOGLU HAMMAM

Historical Cagaloglu Hammam was built by Sultan Mahmut I in 1741 in order to procure funds for the Hagia Sophia Mosque. A Baroque style was adopted in building this hammam, which has separate sections for women and men, and features some new, non-Ottoman architectural elements as well. Since the construction of big hammams was banned in 1768 due to the increasing water and wood needs of the city, Cagaloglu Hammam was chelast big hammam built during the Ottoman period. It is open 8.00 AM- 8.OO PM for women and 8.00 AM-10.00 PM for men.Address: Ismail Gurkan Street. No: 34 Cagaologlu

GALATASARAY HAMMAM

One of the most popular hammams for tourists visiting Istanbul is the Galatasaray Hammam located in Taksim, which today is the center of Istanbul's cultural and recreational activities. Built in 1715, the hammam was originally situated within a mosque complex. This hammam is open from 8.00 AM to 7.00 PM for women and from 7.00 AM to 10.00 PM for men.Address: Tumacibasi Sokak No: 24 Galatasaray

HASEKI HURREM HAMAM

This hammam, which is located between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, was built as the biggest, hammam in Istanbul by Sinan the Architect upon the request of Hurrem Sultan, the Ukrainian wife of Suleyman the Magnificent. There are separate entrances for women and men at the opposite ends of the long, rectangular-shaped structure. Restored in 1980, the hammam is now used only for the exhibition and sale of authentic carpets and rugs.Address: Ayasofya Meydani No: 4 Sultanahmet

SULEYMANIYE HAMAM

This hammam, which was constructed by Architect Sinan in 1557 to procure funds for the Suleymaniye Complex, was frequently visited by Suleyman the Magniflcent and Sinan the Architect. Theroom where Sultan Suleyman had his baths is stili located within the hammam. Women and men could have their baths together in this hammam, which is completely in service now for tourists. lt is open from 8.00 AM to 12.00 Midnight.Address: Mimar Sinan Sokak. No: 20 Suleymaniye

HAMAM ETIQUETTE

Usually,there are separate sections for women and men or they can use the hammam at different hours of the day. On the contrary to a common belief about hammams, nobody has a bath naked. Visitors cover their bodies with a special cloth of silk or cotton, called "peshtemal" at all times. Special wooden hammam clogs, called takunya, are worn. lt should be kept in mind that people can easily fall down when walking with these wooden clogson wet and sometimes soapy hamam floors.

The usually high-domed main section of the hammam is generally quite warm and this can be problematic for cardiac patients. In this main section, there are "kurnas, " which are low, big marble basins attached to the walls. Hot water in thesebasins is used by dipping with copper bowls. The big marble base, located just under the high dome, is called "gobek tasi, . which means the core stone. Upon request, the service of rubbing and massage with a "kese, " a rough mitt on this stone is usually offered. Male employees offering this service are called "tellak" and female employees are called "natir. "