Hammam, additionally referred to as Turkish Tub, is a standard bathtub tradition relationship again to the Ottoman Empire. It was a vital ritual that represents the cleanness, rest and social life.
The Hammam, Turkish Tub, continues to be loved by many as we speak. And there are a lot of methods to benefit from the Hammam in Istanbul. Listed here are some recommendations on learn how to get probably the most out of your expertise once you go to Istanbul, Turkey.
Before everything, it’s necessary to chill out and take your time within the Hammam. This isn’t a rushed course of – it must be gradual and relaxed so that you can get the complete advantage of the expertise.
After you have entered the steam room, discover a comfy spot the place you possibly can sit or recline. Permit your self to sweat and detoxify for at the very least 20 minutes earlier than transferring on to washing your physique.
Now it’s time to begin scrubbing! You need to use both a loofah or washcloth with cleaning soap (ideally black cleaning soap) to wash your pores and skin from head-to-toe. Be sure you give attention to any areas that really feel particularly dry or tough. Often you possibly can e book a package deal, the place the scrubbing is included and the place it’s completed by a workers member (right here’s an excellent package deal to e book that features scrubbing and foaming).
After you have exfoliated your total physique, rinse off with cool water then return to stress-free within the steam room for one more 10 minutes or so.
Lastly, end up by making use of moisturizer throughout your newly refreshed pores and skin.
An additional possibility is so as to add a wellness – chill out therapeutic massage. After this one you’ll really feel able to discover extra of Istanbul.
Should you’re on the lookout for one other exercise to get pleasure from in Istanbul, take a look at the Grand Bazaar.
How to decide on a /Turkish hammam in Istanbul
There are some things to think about when selecting a Turkish hammam in Istanbul. The primary is the value. Most of the extra well-known hammams will probably be dearer, however they can even supply extra companies and facilities. Should you’re on the lookout for a extra fundamental expertise, there are a lot of cheaper choices accessible.
The second factor to think about is the placement. Most of the extra well-liked hammams are positioned within the extra touristy areas of Istanbul, which implies they are often fairly crowded. In order for you a extra genuine expertise, you could wish to select a hammam that’s positioned in a much less touristy space.
The third factor to think about is what sort of companies you need. Some hammams supply fundamental companies akin to cleaning soap and therapeutic massage, whereas others supply extra elaborate remedies akin to physique scrubs and dust baths. Select a hammam based mostly on the kind of companies you have an interest in.
Lastly, remember the fact that some hammams might have age or gender restrictions. Be certain that to verify earlier than you e book to keep away from any surprises.
See additionally: The Moroccan Hammam: Why Each Traveler Ought to Step Exterior Their Consolation Zone
The most effective Turkish hammams in Istanbul
These days, there are a lot of completely different hammams in Istanbul providing completely different companies and coverings.
There are a couple of nice Turkish hammams in Istanbul that stand out above the remaining. The Aya Sofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam is likely one of the most stunning and splendid hammams within the metropolis. It’s good for a calming and rejuvenating expertise.
One other nice possibility is the Cagaloglu Hamam, which has been round for hundreds of years and is a real Istanbul establishment.
Should you’re on the lookout for a extra budget-friendly possibility, the Süleymaniye Hamam is a good alternative that received’t disappoint.
Whichever hammam you select, you’re certain to have a memorable expertise!
Listed here are a few of the greatest hammams which you could go to throughout your keep in Istanbul
Aya Sofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam
Aya Sofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam is a Turkish bathhouse in Istanbul, Turkey. The bathhouse was in-built 1556 by the order of Suleiman the Magnificent for his spouse, Hürrem Sultan. It is likely one of the largest and oldest surviving Ottoman baths in Istanbul.
The Aya Sofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam is positioned within the courtyard of the Aya Sofya Mosque. The constructing is octagonal in form and has two tales. The higher story incorporates the primary bathing space, whereas the decrease story incorporates the dressing rooms and different service areas.
The principle bathing space is embellished with marble, mother-of-pearl, and stained glass. The ceiling is domed, and there are 4 massive marble columns supporting the roof. There are three marble swimming pools within the room, every with a special temperature.
The most well liked pool is within the heart of the room, whereas the good pool is on the fringe of the room. After bathing, bathers would historically chill out in one of many a number of lounge areas or have a therapeutic massage.
The Aya Sofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam additionally had a coffeehouse the place patrons might socialize and luxuriate in refreshments. The Aya Sofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam continued for use as a bathhouse till 1955 when it was closed to the general public. In 2005, the bathhouse underwent a significant restoration and reopened to the general public as a museum.
Handle: Cankurtaran, Ayasofya Meydanı No:2, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul – on the map
Cagaloglu Hamam
Cagaloglu Hamam is likely one of the oldest Turkish baths in Istanbul. It was in-built 1741 throughout the Ottoman Empire, and is a well-liked vacationer attraction as we speak.
The Cagaloglu hamam is conventional in design, with three primary areas: a cooling room, a washing room, and a steam room. Guests can buy a package deal that features all three companies, or simply select one.
The cooling room is the primary cease, the place you possibly can chill out on a marble bench and benefit from the cool air. That is adopted by the washing room, the place you possibly can get pleasure from a standard Turkish bathtub. The steam room is the final cease, and is used to chill out your muscle tissue and enhance circulation.
Handle: Alemdar, Prof. Kazım İsmail Gürkan Cd. No:24, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul – on the map
Süleymaniye Hammam
Süleymaniye Hammam, this hammam is positioned contained in the Süleymaniye Mosque advanced and it was constructed by the nice Ottoman architect Sinan. It is likely one of the largest and most stunning hammams in Istanbul.
The principle corridor is embellished with stunning Iznik tiles and has an enormous dome. There are additionally two smaller halls, one for males and one for ladies.
The Süleymaniye Hammam is open each day from 6am to 10pm and the doorway charge is 20 TL.
Handle: Süleymaniye, Mimar Sinan Cd. No:20, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul – on the map
Çemberlitaş Hammamı
Çemberlitaş Hammamı, this hammam is positioned within the coronary heart of the Outdated Metropolis and is likely one of the oldest and most well-known hammams in Istanbul. It’s positioned within the previous metropolis heart and it was in-built 1584 by order of Sultan Murad III.
The Çemberlitaş Hammamı is as properly one of many oldest surviving Turkish baths in Istanbul. The inside may be very easy, however nonetheless stunning. The principle corridor has a big dome and there are two smaller halls for women and men.
Right here is an admission ticket to the Cemberlitas Hamam, together with a scrub and foam.
Handle: Mollafenari, Vezirhan Cd. No:8, 34440 Fatih/İstanbul – on the map
Kılıç Ali Paşa Hammam
Kılıç Ali Paşa Hammam; it’s positioned in Beyoğlu district and it was in-built 1580 by order of Kılıç Ali Paşa, one of the crucial highly effective males of Ottoman Empire.
The Kılıç Ali Paşa Hammam is likely one of the most stunning and largest hammams in Istanbul. Additionally it is one of many few historic ones which are nonetheless operational. Regardless that a few years have handed, it’s nonetheless considered one of many largest and best hammams not solely in Istanbul but in addition throughout Turkey. Should you’re trying to expertise a standard Turkish bathtub whereas visiting Turkey, then this must be in your listing.
Handle: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Hamam Sk. No:1, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul – on the map
Ağa Hammam
Ağa Hammam; you’ll discover the hammam positioned in Eminönü district and it was in-built 1741 by order of Ağa, the chief black eunuch of Ottoman Empire.
The Ağa Hammam was the most important and most opulent hammam of its time. Ağa Hammam is likely one of the most fascinating locations in Eminönü district. It was in-built 1741 by order of Ağa, the chief black eunuch of Ottoman Empire. The hammam is positioned on a busy avenue and it was the most important and most opulent hammam of its time. Immediately, it’s nonetheless one of many largest hammams in Istanbul with two completely different sides for women and men.
Handle: Kuloğlu, Turnacıbaşı Cd. No:48, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul – on the map
Dolmabahçe Hammam
This hammam is positioned contained in the Dolmabahçe Palace and it was in-built 1856 by order of Sultan Abdülmecid I.
It is likely one of the final examples of a classical Turkish hammam in Istanbul. The Dolmabahçe Hammam is likely one of the most stunning and serene locations in Istanbul.
The inside of the hammam is embellished with intricate mosaics and marble panels, and its heated swimming pools are good for stress-free after a protracted day exploring Istanbul. Should you’re on the lookout for a very distinctive expertise, be sure that to go to the Dolmabahçe Hammam throughout your keep in Istanbul!
Handle: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul – on the map
Prices of hammams in Istanbul
The hammams in Istanbul are a few of the costliest on the planet. A single session price round $70 and may price upwards of $150, and a package deal of 10 classes can price over $1,000. That is because of the excessive demand for these companies and the restricted variety of hammams in Istanbul.
Right here is an admission ticket to the Cemberlitas Hamam, together with a scrub and foam.
Advantages of steam rooms or saunas
Saunas and steam rooms supply quite a lot of well being advantages, from improved circulation to higher pores and skin. Should you’re new to utilizing a sauna or steam room, there are some things it is best to remember with the intention to get probably the most out of your expertise.
- First, once you enter the sauna or steam room, sit down and permit your physique to slowly alter to the warmth. Should you really feel dizzy or lightheaded at any level, make sure you step out and funky down for a bit earlier than returning.
- Subsequent, make sure you drink loads of fluids earlier than and after your time within the sauna or steam room, as it will assist forestall dehydration.
- And eventually, don’t neglect to moisturize. The warmth can strip your pores and skin of moisture, so apply lotion throughout when you’re completed.