If you’re a spa fanatic, then your trip to Istanbul cannot be complete without a visit to a traditional hamam. You might think “Oh, I went to a Turkish bath in Budapest!”, but I will explain why it’s not quite the same. Not all Turkish baths have pools or even a bathtub or a hot tub of water in them, much to the surprise of many who arrive there. They also do not have a sauna or steam room attached. The hamam is actually designed to be a steam room all on its own.
What to expect at a hamam?
When it’s your turn to be bathed, you’ll be brought to the outside circle and made to sit down. Keep in mind that they do take your towel! This is not for the shy ones out there. It’s called a Turkish bath because it truly is a bath. The woman will first use a scrubber to remove all the dead skin from your body. Women in Turkey do this at least once a month and believe it keeps them looking fresh, young and wrinkle free. Most spas in the world offer different types of body scrub because of the huge beauty and medical benefits.
After your scrub, you’ll be washed with a softer cloth. Don’t be surprised if you see quite a bit of dark skin coming off your body. It’s considered good to remove the top layer of dry skin. They will use a cloth to collect bubbles and then squeeze them onto you until you are in a huge pile of bubbles—barely able to see over the top. Lastly, your hair will be washed. Once you’re rinsed off, the staff will wrap you up and walk you to the exit to change.
Please note that hamams are usually men or women only in each building, except for a few exceptions, so make sure to read up on the rules before arrival. Some buildings offer the experience for both men and women but at different timings.
Once your hair is washed, it will be tangled as they really scrub it. It’s nice to bring your own hairbrush and while the conditioner is in, you can brush your hair out a bit.
Arrive a little early so you can relax and get acquainted with the area.
After your treatment, you will be feeling too good to get up and leave. There is a common area where hot tea will be served and you can relax in your towel before you go to change your clothes. At many places, other snacks or drinks are served at an extra cost.
No photos are allowed in a hamam for obvious reasons. If you are a reporter, then you can ask for permission in advance and take photos while no one is inside.
The staff may not speak English, although there is not much reason to need to speak during the entire experience. They will most likely understand words such as less pressure or scrub harder.
Why do people visit hamams?
Hamams have been around since the Victorian era when they served as a place for women to get together and gossip. They are usually located next to a mosque, and the payment made to visit a hamam is used for the mosque’s upkeep. Moreover, it is customary to clean before entering a mosque which is why hamams were built in the vicinity. Also, the hamams will often have the same name as the neighbouring mosque.
It is a practice related to the ancient Greek and Roman baths. The fact that a hamam doubles as a steam room is what makes it unique to the Turkish baths and also the fact that there is no pool.
The bath additionally serves as a massage and is a relaxing experience while getting you clean at the same time. Similar to Ayurveda, the movements over the skin increases blood flow/circulation which is good for your body.
Tourists now visit hamams to get a feel of the past and an idea of the culture of today’s Turkey. The hamams have not changed, except in the modernisation of check in and payment, as well as modern amenities in the entrance hall and changing rooms. The baths are the same and you will still hear Turkish women gossiping with one another!
Some of the popular hamams in Istanbul
