Do you want to feel like a real sultan and touch the exquisite delights of the East? Go to the Turkish bath! We will tell you about the famous hammams of Istanbul, the cost of services and how the baths are arranged in Turkey.
What is Turkish Hammam
Translated from Arabic, hammam is a "hot place". Turkish baths became widespread after the capture of Constantinople - from the middle of the 15th century. For the Turks, the hammam has the same meaning as the ancient baths for the Romans. People come here from one to three times a week to wash, discuss the latest news and gossip about neighbors. In the hammam, you cannot swear, swear and talk about unpleasant things. This is a place where not only the body is cleansed, but also the soul.
The whole family goes to the hammam, but men and women are separated. There is a separate steam room for women, where they can chat with each other and take a break from family responsibilities.
The Turkish bath has several rooms with temperatures ranging from + 30 ° C to + 55 ° C. IN Jamegah you can change clothes and have a snack. Soukluk - a place where guests dry and change loincloths. Sajaklik, or a complex for washing, is divided into zones: kurna bashi - a place where everyone is washed in turn, halvet closed from the eyes of strangers and is intended for washing one person, and gebek tashi - for foam massage and relaxation.
Benches, shelves and seats are made of marble. This is a fairly warm material. It does not get very hot from the steam and does not burn those sitting and lying. In addition, the beautiful stone is strong and durable.
What should I take with me? Only bikini, comb and shampoo. You will receive everything you need in the hammam. Take a towel and slippers at cheaper places.
How much does the service cost
The minimum cost of visiting the hammam includes a scrub, washcloth and foam massage. If you buy expensive tickets, you will be served a variety of massage oils and delicious Turkish sweets to eat or take away.
The average entrance price for foreigners is from 80 to 270 liras. Foam massage costs 125 liras, and foam and aroma massages - 200-300 liras. In any case, you cannot name a cheap bath in a Turkish bath. This is a real ritual that is very much loved and appreciated in Turkey.
The most famous hammams in Istanbul
Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı
The most fashionable bathhouse in the city is Hürrem Hammam. It was erected by the famous architect Mimar Sinan in 1556-1557 at the behest of Khyurrem Sultan, the wife of Suleiman I. The oldest hammam in Istanbul worked until 1910, and then closed. In the 1990s, the historical bath complex was purchased by the Turkish government. A lot of money was invested in the building and infrastructure and was completely renovated.
Now they use gilded basins and gilded plumbing fixtures. The walls are covered with exquisite marble mosaics, towels are made of cotton and silk, and the water is carefully filtered. Guests are offered delicious berry sorbet and tender honey yoghurt.
Prices... This is the most expensive hammam in Istanbul. A session of 45 minutes costs 810 liras, and 1 hour costs 1217 liras. The price includes peeling with a kese mitt, foam massage and tea with sweets and fruits.
Address... The building is located in the heart of the city, next to the famous Hagia Sophia temple at Cankurtaran, Ayasofya Meydanı No: 2, 34122 Fatih.
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Süleymaniye Hamamı
The best hammams in Istanbul include the Turkish bath, in which Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent himself bathed. Like the Hammam Hürrem, the magnificent building was built by the great architect Sinan. For a long time it was used as a warehouse, but thanks to the restorers, the building gained a second life.
Today, the old hammam is part of the ensemble of the magnificent Muslim Suleymaniye temple. This is a mixed bath, where only families and couples are allowed. All guests are provided with wooden slippers. After you sweat, an experienced bath attendant will serve you like a real sultan!
Prices... One and a half hours cost 406 liras. The price includes bath accessories, peeling and soap massage.
Address... Mimar Sinan Caddesi No: 20, Suleymaniye. From the metro station Vezneciler to the bathhouse 10 minutes on foot.
Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı
Sinan's third creation is a wonderful hammam, which was built in 1580. The bath complex bears the name of the Ottoman commander Kilich Ali Pasha. It is a beautifully restored modern spa with museum interiors and part of a historic mosque. Lovely building with an area of 935 sq. m is decorated with natural stone and wood, and the main hall is decorated with an elegant fountain and marble benches along the walls.
Prices... The entrance and the usual package of services is 270 liras, and the service with foam massage is 280 liras.
Address... Kemankes Mah. Hamam Sok. No: 1 Beyoglu, Tophane, Karakoy.
Cağaloğlu Hamamı
One of the last large public hammams in Istanbul, which was built under the Ottomans, appeared in 1741. The Cagaloglu building was made in the traditions of the late Baroque with elements of late Ottoman classicism, designed by the architect Suleiman Agha. Tourists love the large, beautiful steam room, soothing music, delicious tea and coffee.
Prices... The standard entry package costs 304 lira, while the classic program costs 760 lira.
Address... The old hammam of Istanbul is located in the Sultanahmet district, in the very center of the city. Alemdar Mah. Profesör Kazım İsmail Gürkan Cad. No: 34.
Çemberlitaş Hamamı
Hammam Chamberlitas in Istanbul is popular with both Turks and tourists. The reason is democratic prices and an interesting story. The luxurious Turkish bath was built in 1584 by order of the mother of Sultan Murad III, whose name was Nurbanu Sultan. The picturesque building is considered a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Partially erased ancient inscriptions can be seen on the couches of gobek tashi.
Prices... A regular selfie service costs 304 lira, and 405 lira will be charged for the kese peeling and foam body massage.
Address... Mollafenari Mahallesi, Vezirhan Cd. No: 8.
Kadırga Hamamı
The inexpensive hammams of Istanbul include a bathhouse, which was built in 1734 on the site of a hammam at the beginning of the 16th century. It is located just half a kilometer from the tourist Sultanahmet. The quality of services practically does not differ from expensive baths, but the prices are much lower. The most expensive procedure costs 90 Turkish liras. It is not surprising that the Turks themselves highlight this hammam. The attendants do not speak English, but they perfectly understand sign language!
Prices... The entrance fee is 40 liras, and the scrub and foam massage is 25 liras. Oil massage costs 25 liras.
Address... Sehsuvar Bey Mahallesi, Kadırga Limanı Cd. No: 69, Fatih
Aga Hamamı
Istanbul's oldest hammam was built in 1454 by the Ottoman ruler Fatih Sultan Mehmet. Just imagine - even before the discovery of America! Previously, only the sultan and his sons could wash in the hammam, but now anyone can enjoy the historical bath. When you come to the break room after washing to take a breath and drink tea, you will be accompanied by well-fed cats.
Prices... Traditional package - self-service costs 120 liras. For foam massage you have to pay 40 liras.
Address... The building is located in the Taksim area. Kuloglu mahallesi, Turnacibasi sokak No: 48.
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