Guide About Turkish Baths: History, Rituals and Etiquette
Guide About Turkish Baths: History, Rituals and Etiquette
The bath culture has deep roots in Turkey and holds significant importance throughout its history. Traditional Turkish baths have served as vital spaces for cleanliness, relaxation, and social interaction for centuries. In this guide, you will find comprehensive information about the origins of Turkish baths, their cultural significance, and essential tips regarding the etiquette and ritual for visitors to keep in mind.
Join us as we explore everything you’ve been curious about the Turkish bath culture together!
What are Turkish Baths (Hamams)?
A Turkish bath, also known as a hamam or hammam, is a traditional bathing facility that originated in the Ottoman Empire and has been an integral part of Turkish culture for centuries.
Turkish Baths are designed to provide a cleansing and relaxing experience for both body and mind. They typically consist of several rooms, including a hot room, a warm room, and a cold room.
In the hot room, visitors sweat out toxins and relax their muscles in the intense heat generated by a large heated marble slab called a göbektaşı. This room is followed by the warm room, where bathers can further relax and prepare for cleansing. The cold room serves as a refreshing space for cooling down after the bathing process.
Turkish baths offer various services, including massages, exfoliation treatments (kese), and foam baths (köpük masajı), all aimed at promoting physical and mental well-being. Additionally, hamams are cherished for their cultural significance and are often visited as a social activity, providing an opportunity for people to connect and socialize in a tranquil environment.
Here are our recommended Turkish Baths tickets:
History of Turkish Baths
The Turkish bath as it is known today evolved during the rise of the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century. The Ottomans adopted and refined the bathing traditions of their predecessors, incorporating elements from Roman and Byzantine bathhouses as well as Islamic bathing customs.
Under Ottoman rule, hamams became prominent features of urban life in cities across the empire, serving not only as places for personal hygiene but also as social hubs where people from all walks of life could gather, relax, and socialize. They were built in various architectural styles, ranging from simple neighborhood hamams to elaborate imperial complexes.
Timeline
15th Century
The Turkish bath was introduced to the Ottoman Empire by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.
17th Century
The Turkish bath became widely popular in the Ottoman Empire, with the number of hamams increasing significantly.
19th Century
The Turkish bath was widely accepted as a form of leisure and relaxation, with hamams becoming a frequent destination for social gatherings and relaxation.
20th Century
The Turkish bath was adapted and modernized in the Ottoman Empire, with modern amenities added to many hamams and some Turkish baths constructed relatively more modern.
Why are Turkish Baths Famous?
Turkish baths played a significant role in Ottoman culture, serving as settings for important social rituals, religious ceremonies, and even diplomatic meetings. They were also considered essential for personal health and well-being, with the heat and steam believed to have therapeutic properties.
With the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the modernization of Turkey in the 19th and 20th centuries, many traditional hamams fell into disuse or were demolished. However, in recent years, there has been a revival of interest in Turkish baths both within Turkey and around the world, with many historic hamams being restored and renovated to preserve this important cultural heritage.
Today, Turkish baths continue to attract visitors seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, and a glimpse into the rich history of the region.
What to bring with you to your Turkish Bath Experience?
Towel and Pestemal: Turkish baths typically provide towels and pestemals for guests to use during their visit. However, if you prefer to use your own or if you’re uncertain about the quality of the ones provided, it’s a good idea to bring your own towel and pestemal.
Swimsuit (Optional): While traditional Turkish bath etiquette involves bathing nude, some modern hamams may allow guests to wear swimsuits if they prefer. Check the specific rules of the hamam you plan to visit to determine whether swimsuits are permitted or recommended.
Flip-Flops or Slippers: Turkish bath floors can be wet and slippery, so it’s advisable to wear flip-flops or slippers to protect your feet and maintain hygiene. Some hamams provide disposable slippers, but bringing your own can ensure a better fit and comfort.
Toiletries: Although Turkish baths typically provide soap and shampoo for guests to use, you may prefer to bring your own toiletries for personal hygiene. This includes items such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer.
Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important, especially when spending time in hot and humid environments like a Turkish bath. Bring a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated throughout your visit.
Change of Clothes: After your Turkish bath experience, you’ll want to change into clean, dry clothes before leaving the hamam. Bring a fresh set of clothes to wear after your bath, including underwear and socks.
Turkish Baths: Rituals and Etiquette
Arrival: Upon arrival at the hamam, guests are typically greeted by staff and provided with a pestemal, a traditional Turkish towel, to wrap around their body. They may also receive a pair of wooden clogs or slippers to wear inside the bath area.
Separation by Gender: In traditional hamams, there are separate sections for men and women. Guests should respect this separation and use the designated area corresponding to their gender.
Undressing: Before entering the bathing area, guests are required to undress completely and remove all clothing and jewelry. They can wear only the pestemal provided or opt for complete nudity, depending on personal comfort and cultural norms.
Hygiene: Before entering the bathing area, guests are expected to wash themselves thoroughly at the designated washing stations. This ensures cleanliness and hygiene within the bathhouse.
Steam Room: Once inside the bathing area, guests can relax in the steam room, also known as the hot room or sudatorium. The steam helps to open up the pores, detoxify the body, and promote relaxation.
Exfoliation (Kese): One of the highlights of the Turkish bath experience is the exfoliation process known as kese. Guests lie on a heated marble slab while a masseur or masseuse uses a special exfoliating glove to scrub away dead skin cells and impurities, leaving the skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
Foam Massage: Following the exfoliation, guests may opt for a foam massage, where the masseur or masseuse creates a rich lather of soap suds and massages it into the skin using gentle, circular motions. This foam massage helps to cleanse the skin further and promotes relaxation.
Rinsing and Cooling Off: After the massage, guests can rinse off under a shower or with buckets of water to remove any remaining soap suds. They may also choose to cool off by immersing themselves in a cold plunge pool or using cold water basins.
Relaxation: After the bathing rituals, guests are encouraged to relax and unwind in the relaxation area or lounge. They can enjoy a cup of Turkish tea, socialize with others, or simply bask in the tranquility of the surroundings.
Respectful Behavior: Throughout the hamam experience, guests should maintain a respectful and considerate demeanor towards staff and other guests. Loud noises, disruptive behavior, or inappropriate conduct should be avoided to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.
Tickets for Recommended Turkish Baths in Istanbul
Explore below our curated selection of tickets for popular Hamams in Istanbul:
Istanbul: Cagaloglu Hamam Experience
58 Reviews
From €70
GetYourGuide
“Highly recommended, there are other cheaper places but this one is worth it, the service is grea…”
Istanbul: Cagaloglu Hamam Experience
Discover the enchanting Cagaloglu Hammam, a historical treasure nestled in the heart of Istanbul’s Old City. Dating back to the 18th century, this magnificent hammam offers a unique glimpse into the luxurious world of Ottoman-era bathing culture, blending historical splendor with modern comfort.
Ana Luisa, March 2024, Spain [GetYourGuide] “Highly recommended, there are other cheaper places but this one is worth it, the service is great, “
Tickets to Historical Cemberlitas Hamam in Sultanahmet
With stress at an all-time high, this is a good excuse to head to a Turkish bathhouse for a relaxing soak. Even better if it is a 500-year-old historic bath that still keeps its traditions! Your experience here includes scrubbing, foaming, and relaxing, followed by a tea-drinking experience.
Marija, Jul. 2023, Spain [Source: Headout] “Clean and pampering. Massages are great too. Center of town.”
Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, and Massage
Leave the hustle and bustle of Istanbul behind closed doors with an authentic Turkish Hamam – or Turkish Bath – experience. Let your mind and body relax in a sauna, with a body scrub, foam massage, facial, and more, depending on what you select.
Severin, April 2024, Switzerland [GetYourGuide] “The entire package was just great. From the reception to the massage to the hammam, we felt completely at home.(..) We would book again straight away. The price/performance ratio is absolutely perfect.”
