Turkish Baths: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting
If there is one thing you should experience while in Istanbul, it’s a Turkish bath. You might have heard people describe Turkish bathes as no less than a spiritual experience. It is a beautiful, shared experience where one feels relaxed, cleansed, and meditative.
But if you aren’t familiar with the mysticism of hammam, there is no need for you to worry. This article is a guide for all that you need to know about Turkish baths, what to expect, the right etiquette to follow, the best Turkish baths in Istanbul, and much more.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know!
What Are Turkish Baths?
Although we know them as Turkish baths, hammams are found all over the world. Hamams are associated with Islamic culture and originated as small and undecorated shared spaces where people cleansed their bodies.
However, over the centuries, they became a symbol of community gathering and luxury. In Istanbul, hammams represent the legacy of the Ottoman Empire. As you might have known already, Turkish baths are known for their spectacular and elaborate architectural features.
Many of the famous old hammams in Istanbul were the Ottoman Empire’s chief architect Mimar Sinan. Across the entire world, the construction of hammams close to mosque complexes began to be commissioned by sultans and other officials.
Turkish baths have a rich history intertwined with Roman and Greek bathhouses as well. But for a simple understanding, they are a type of public steam bath that includes an undressing room, a cold room, a warm room, and a hot room.
What To Expect From Turkish Baths?
There is no doubt that Turkish baths sound majestic and totally relaxing. But you might have a lot of questions – How much privacy would you have? What etiquette must one follow in a Turkish bath? How does a Turkish bath go, exactly?
Well, that’s exactly what we’re here to help you with. Here is a detailed explanation for what you can expect from your Turkish bath experience:
1. There Are Different Sections For Men and Women
Traditional hammams have separate sections for men and women. So, if you are traveling with other people, you might be separated from them for this experience.
However, some recently established hammams allow men and women to bathe in the same area. One of the most popular Turkish baths in Istanbul, called the Cukurcuma Hamamı, is one such place.
This is not the only measure of creating privacy in Turkish baths. Within these segregated sections, hammams have marble walls between each washing space.
So, you can enjoy this refreshing experience with total comfort and privacy.
2. All Attendants Will Be Of The Same Sex As You
Not only do Turkish baths have different sections for men and women, but even the attendants will be of the same sex as you. The male attendants are called tellak whereas the female attendants are called natir.
They will make sure that you feel as relaxed as you can by providing massages, scrubs, washes, etc. Moreover, the attendants will guide you as the bathing progresses to warmer rooms at different stages.
Note: I did have one unusual experience where I had a male attendant. But that is not typical.
3. Undress As Much As You’re Comfortable With
This might be the question on everyone’s minds….how much should I undress? You don’t need to take off all your clothes in a Turkish bath, but people generally undress down to their underwear / swimsuit or go completely nude. If you do keep your undergarments on, be prepared for them to get WET and bring a change of clothes!
You will be given a bath wrap, known as peshtemal, to wear during your Turkish bath - so you have something to cover yourself with. The attendants will work around the towel and move from time to time. And sometimes didn’t do a very good job of putting it back haha….I felt a bit exposed at times, but this is just part of the experience.
4. You Can Choose To Do Things Yourself
Of course, everyone has different levels of comfort. So, instead of having an attendant massage and scrub you, you can choose to do these things yourself.
In order to truly relax and experience what a Turkish bath is, you must let the professionals give you a thorough experience in the traditional hammam style.
5. You Can Relax After The Bath
Lastly, you also have the option of savoring the most out of your Turkish bath experience.
After you have experienced the massage, scrub, bathing, and hot rooms, you can also sit around and relax in the hammam area. In fact, you will also find many people taking naps in the warm room.
Moreover, most Turkish baths also serve traditional drinks like tea, lemonade, and even snacks. It is quite common to see people stick around in the warm rooms after the bath is over.
In case you decide to take a nap, you can inform the ascendant of a specific time that they should wake you up after. But if this isn’t the case, you’re free to relax in a hammam for as long as you wish to!
The Common Way Things Flow at Turkish Baths
So, after you know some basic things to expect from your experience in a Turkish bath, let’s get into the details. Here’s how things go during a Turkish bath:
The very first thing you need to know is that most hammams open as early as six in the morning. Moreover, hammams do not usually shut down until midnight. So, you can enjoy this magical experience at any time of the day you wish.
The experience begins in a large marble room with a dome ceiling. In fact, most traditional hammams in Istanbul are famous for their beautiful dome tops. In this room, you will find a large elevated platform called göbektaşı - which is located over a heating source and surrounded by multiple basins. Here you will spent about 10-20 minutes sweating out toxins in a heated room (sometimes this step takes place in a more traditional feeling sauna).
Next your attendant will come in and soak you with warm water and massage you for about 15 minutes. The next step to a Turkish bath is scrubbing.
For scrubbing, you’ll have to move to the surrounding basins. This is done by the assistant with a handwoven washcloth known as kese. There is no doubt about the fact that this will leave you feeling fresh and more relaxed than ever.
Each hammam will have a set of different services that they offer. If you are planning a Turkish bath, it is best that you book your appointment in advance. This way, you can decide which services you want and avoid waiting, especially in popular hammams.
Traditionally, a Turkish bath includes 45 minutes of washing and scrubbing followed by a foam wash and massage. Moreover, Turkish baths are unique as they have several dry heat rooms where you can relax and enjoy snacks afterward.
However, hammams have now incorporated a variety of services into the experience. These include aromatherapy, oil massages, reflexology, Indian head massage, and facial clay masks. But if you choose to go for a typical Turkish massage, the experience will proceed with a traditional deep pressure massage.
After the massage, people spend a few minutes in the göbektaşı relaxing or drinking traditional tea, lemonade, etc. This is also the time to bask in the beauty of the entire experience of a Turkish bath.
This will mark the end of your Turkish bath. After this, you are free to relax, snack, or even nap for as long as you want in the shared space. Most hammams have storage rooms where you can keep your bags, change of clothes, money, etc.
After this experience, you’ll have peace of mind as well as physical benefits. The hot temperatures in Turkish baths improve circulation, relax your muscles, open up your poes for relaxation, absorb moisture, improve your skin’s elasticity, and more.
Traveling can take a toll on your body with all the physical activity, jet lag, and sleeping in an unfamiliar bed. A Turkish bath is a one-stop solution for all of these problems as it helps with your muscles and joints as well.
Best Turkish Baths in Istanbul
Now that you know what to expect at a Turkish bath, let’s head on to the places where you can find this magical experience. Here are some of the best Turkish baths in Istanbul:
1. Kilic Ali Pasa Hamam
Kilic Ali Pasa Hamam is one of the most popular spots in all of Istanbul. It was constructed between 1578 and 1583 and was designed by Mimar Sinan.
You can find plenty of Turkish baths in Istanbul but I suggest going to a historical hammam to get the most authentic experience. The Kilic Ali Pasa Hamam has now become more than just a Turkish bath.
Here, you can also opt for a full-body scrub, bubble wash, spa, and massages as a part of your experience. This iconic hammam also has a traditional café where you can enjoy traditional drinks and snacks like Turkish mocha, black tea, etc in a relaxed atmosphere.
Moreover, the hammam’s boutique, called Derya, offers bath accessories like soaps, pestemals (towels), kese (scrub mitts) as well as other accessories used in Turkish hammam culture.
2. Cagaloglu Hamami
The Cağaloğlu Hamamı is nothing short of heaven. This hammam is especially popular in Istanbul for being one of the last Turkish baths built by the declining Ottoman Empire.
Moreover, the Cağaloğlu Hamamı has a breathtaking Baroque-style interior. The dome ceiling is meticulously designed to let in rays of sunshine that illuminate the white marble-covered walls.
Another perk of this hammam is that there aren’t segregated spaces for men and women. So, if you want a Turkish bath where you can be with your partner or friend, the Cağaloğlu Hamamı is the right choice for you.
It probably isn’t surprising to know that this Turkish bath is one of the most popular destinations in Istanbul. So, I suggest that you book an appointment before visiting the Cağaloğlu Hamamı for a Turkish bath.
3. Cukurcuma Hamamı
Constructed in the 1830s, the Cukurcuma Hamamı is one of the most popular Turkish baths in Istanbul. After being renovated recently, this hammam has only increased in popularity, especially among tourists.
The interior of the Cukurcuma Hamamı has a luxurious white marble interior with golden accents. Apart from the exquisite look and feel of this Turkish bath, it is preferred by tourists as it allows men and women to experience the bath together.
Due to its popularity, the Cukurcuma Hamamı offers a range of services. So, I suggest making a prior appointment where you can not only book your spot but also decide exactly how your Turkish bath experience will go.
4. Ağa Hamam
If you want a Turkish bath experience where you can be immersed in the culture with serenity, there is no better place for you than the Ağa Hamam.
The Ağa Hamam is the oldest hamam in all of Istanbul and is located on one of the most popular streets in the city. So, don’t be surprised if you find groups of both tourists and locals stopping by at this hammam after sightseeing, shopping, eating, etc.
The interior of this Turkish bath is different from the other ones you might have seen and visited. Instead of large marble walls and high dome ceilings, you will find yourself grounded and in touch with a homely feeling of Turkish culture.
Final Thoughts
I hope that after reading this article, you are ready for this life-changing experience. Now that you know exactly what Turkish baths are for, and everything that this experience entails, what are you waiting for?
All you need to do is let go and let the serenity soak over you. Find the destination for your next adventure from this list of the best Turkish baths in Istanbul in this article!