The tradition of the Turkish bath was born generations ago, adopted from Romans and Byzantines and then perfected by the Seljuk Turks and has continued even until today. There are both traditional and modern Hamams in Istanbul. While Çemberlitaş and Galatasaray Hamams are traditional most five-star hotels offer you modern Hamam facilities. Please check our yellow pages for their addresses and our comments about their unique characteristics.

The Hamam was much more than just a place where believers could fulfill the Islamic precept of cleanliness. It was intimately bound with everyday life, a place where people of every rank - rich and poor, young and old, could come freely to mingle, socialize and gossip. Women used to proceed from the Harem to the Hamam with great ceremony, and were even accompanied by servants. The young girls used this opportunity to show off their embroidered towels and clogs while older women would choose potential wives for their sons. Men as well as women made use of the Hamam, although of course at separate hours. Men would talk mostly business and politics.

There were also special bathing traditions with their own unique protocol. These special bathing rituals had names such at: the Bride's, the Circumcision, the Groom's, Off-to-the-Army, and others. As you can see, the Hamam experience is intricately woven into the Turkish culture and though not surrounded by as much pomp and ceremony as before, many Turkish continue to make it a regular part of their lives.

Latest comments about this article

 By stortum  3.8.2006

As a tourist in Izmir, if you are a male then it is no problem. You can visit one of the few historical turkish baths in Izmir: Basmane Hamam close to Basmane Railway Station, Civici Hamam within the Old Basaar close to Ikicesmelik Street, Karatas Hosgor Hamam close to Karatas High School, Karantina Hamam over/close to Mithatpasa Industrial Occupation high School and Ali Bey Hamam in Karsiyaka close to the pedestrian street (remembre Karsiyaka is located on the other side of the Gulf of Izmir). If you are a female, not all the baths accept women. As far as I know of the above-mentioned Karatas Hosgor Hamam and Ali Bey Hamam have periods for women. Usually everyday between 10.00/12.00 to 17.00. Please check with these hamams when they have open for women.

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