Partake in this age-old bathing ritual for a full Turkish immersion
Few cultural experiences remain as close to its authentic roots the way a Turkish hamam does. Known as a Turkish steam bath, its origin dates back to when the Ottomans took Constantinople (now known as Istanbul) from the Romans in 1450, bringing with them their own habits and religious observations to form a new bathing tradition.
According to Berkay Akarsu of Hagia Sophia Sultan Hamam Bath, at the height of the Ottoman empire, “every neighborhood of Istanbul had a hamam with hot and cold baths, fountains and domed marble rooms.”
Today, a handful of ancient hamam are still in operation in Istanbul, one of them being the Hagia Sophia Sultan Hamam Bath located between the Hagia Sophia Museum and the Blue Mosque. Built by Sinan the Architect – largely acknowledged as the chief Ottoman architect – in 1556 for the wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the 75 m long public bath is located on the site of the ancient public baths of Zeuxippus (100-200 AD), also said to be where the Temple of Zeus once stood.
In ancient times, the hamam functioned not only as place for cleansing – hence many are located near mosques – but also for social gatherings and special celebrations like weddings and birthdays.
“The main reason why Turkish baths took such an important place in Ottoman culture was for religious purposes,” says Akarsu. “According to the Koran, cleanliness is not just an important but a fundamental part of the faith. These marble temples also provided a meeting place for locals to partake in conversation along with bathing and massage.”
In the old days, says Akarsu, it was customary for the wealthy to bring along, “a silk towel, comb, henna, kohl, soap from Crete, mother of pearl inlaid sandals, and to be in the company of servants.”
The elaborate preparation was also due to the fact that the time spent in the hamam took up most of the day.
Beyond the ritual aspect, the architecture of the hamams are of particular significance: take note of the high, domed ceilings visible as you lay on the heated marble slabs, the Islamic-style archways, the bath chambers. For the 460-year-old Hagia Sophia Sultan Hamam Bath, its classic Ottoman-era style with double baths was also the first time separate women and men areas were made on the same axis as mirror images of each other – an innovation for Turkish bath architecture.
While many public baths were built over 400 years ago, the layout has remained the same, it’s still split into three interconnected sections and while some have added-on modern services like a vitamin bar and boutique, the experience remains largely the same as it did decades ago.
To begin, you’ll have to decide what sort of service you’ll like at the reception. Services vary according to the hamam and package chosen but common offers include an aromatherapy massage, facial mask or oil-based foot massage. At the Hagia Sophia Sultan Hamam Bath there’s the basic Asl-I Hamam for males inclusive of traditional Turkish baths and pouches, a relaxing foam ritual, Ottoman-style custom of sherbet treats.
For females, the Pir-U Pak includes traditional bath use and pouch application, relaxing foam massage, head and neck massage and Ottoman-style custom made sherbet, with other more indulgent offers. Once you’ve decided you’ll be led to to a locker area to keep your valuables and change into a pair of disposable underwear, a pestamal (silk wrap), and a pair of wooden slippers.
