[Introduction to Turkish Bath] Public and Private / Fees / Bath Procedure / Bath House / Tips
When it comes to Turkey, many people think of Turkish baths, an activity that encompasses a long history of Turkish culture and is a must experience when traveling to Turkey. This article will tell you everything you need to know about Turkish baths, so read on if you want to know more!
Introduction to Turkish Bath
History of Turkish Bath
The history of Turkish bath (Hamam) can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire in the middle of the 15th century. At that time, the powerful Ottoman Empire occupied Constantinople and came into contact with the Roman bathing culture, which they loved very much, so they slowly added their own elements to it and it evolved into the current Turkish bath. Because of the Islamic religion to enter the mosque to pray before cleaning the body, so many Turkish baths are built next to the mosque. In addition to being a religious ritual, Turkish baths have also become a place for residents to socialize. Men often stay all day, talking with friends and enjoying good food, and then go home after sunset. The women enjoy the baths and then share homemade food with their friends and have some sisterly time.
Special Features
The Turkish bath does not have the large pool of the Roman bath, but retains the steps of warming the body with steam and alternating between hot and cold water. The biggest difference between the Turkish bath and the Roman bath is the addition of some Islamic elements, such as wrapping the body in a towel, using running water, and rinsing the body several times. In addition, the formal Turkish bath includes a bubble bath massage, where the whole body is covered with cotton bubbles, which is very interesting. In a typical Turkish bath, there is a marble domed steam room, the shape of which is mainly in accordance with the shape of a mosque, with a number of holes at the top for venting, which is very special.
▼Turkish baths have a domed steam room with a number of ventilation holes at the top, allowing sunlight to reach the room during the day (Photo courtesy of Turkish Baths)
Public and Private Baths
Nowadays, there are public baths and private baths in Turkey. Public baths are more like the ancient baths, mostly in the form of self-service, where you have to turn on the water and wash your body yourself, or you can also ask the masters in the baths to help you wash your body, which is very inexpensive and allows you to stay for a longer period of time. On the other hand, private bathhouses usually require a reservation, one-on-one service, the whole process is served by someone, but the cost will be double or more expensive, and can not stay for a long time, once the time is up, you have to leave.
▼Turkish Bath public baths are used by more than one person at a time (Photo courtesy of Turkish Baths)
Turkish Bath Procedure
The current Turkish bath procedure may vary a little depending on the bathhouse, but for the most part it is pretty much the same.
- Warm up in the marble steam room after dressing, usually by lying flat on the stone for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Hot water is scooped out and rinsed all over the body, followed by rubbing out dead skin and dirt with a special towel, and hot water is used continuously throughout the process.
- Bubble Bath Massage: The technician will put a bubble bag into olive soapy water and shake it in the air to create a large amount of bubbles, then squeeze the dense bubbles all over your body for a very comfortable massage and body brushing.
- The technician will wash your hair and face, then apply a mud mask on your face and rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse your body with hot and cold water alternately.
- Enjoy tea and drinks in the lounge
After completing the above 6 steps, you will finish the whole Turkish bath, which is very satisfying!
▼ One of the steps involves getting covered in bubbles, which is very comfortable and fun (Source: Get Your Guide)
Fees
The cost of a Turkish bath can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on the quality of the service. In Istanbul, where prices are the highest, a basic Turkish bath costs around HK$500, while a more advanced Turkish bath (e.g. hotel-style) costs around HK$1,200. Additional massages or facials can be added for around HK$300-500, depending on the content and time of the service.
Recommended Turkish baths
There are many places in Turkey that offer Turkish baths. To choose the right Turkish bath for you, you can consider three main aspects: environment, service and price. Below are some of the recommended Turkish baths in Istanbul, all of them have good service and authentic Turkish baths, if you don’t want to do your homework, you can refer to them directly to make a reservation!
Sultan Süleyman Hamam (Price~HK$400)
This hammam is one of the most famous hammam stores in Istanbul. It is located near the Grand Bazaar in the old city, very convenient transportation, good reviews on the internet, and the price is very reasonable. Reservation website:
https://www.klook.com/zh-HK/activity/111673-sultan-suleyman-hamam-with-free-transfers-in-istanbul/
▼Interior Design by Sultan Süleyman Hamam (Photo credit: Sultan Süleyman Hamam)
Cağaloğlu Hamam (Price ~ $700)
This is one of the most popular bathhouses in Istanbul, and I’ve heard that many celebrities from all over the world have experienced Turkish baths here. They offer separate baths for men and women, and are also located in the Old Town area near St. Sophia Cathedral.
Official website: https: //cagalogluhamami.com.tr/en/
▼Cağaloğlu Hamam’s interior design is very retro and stylish (Source: Cağaloğlu Hamam) 
Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı (Price ~$700)
This hammam is the oldest hammam in Istanbul, built in 1578-1583, and after 7 years of renovation, it opened again in 2019 to offer hammam services. They offer women’s services only in the morning (8:00-16:00) and men’s services only in the afternoon (16:45-23:30), so make sure to check the hours when making a reservation!
Official website: https: //www.kilicalipasahamami.com/en/
▼ Istanbul’s oldest baths have been restored with many architectural elements from the past (Photo credit: Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı)
Çeşme Hamma (Price ~$388 ) Turkish BathTurkish Bath
This is the most highly rated Turkish Bath on the internet, so the price is quite expensive. However, it only serves one group of guests per period of time, so you can have a private bath, whether you come alone, as a couple, or with a few friends. If you want to make a reservation, remember to WhatsApp in advance, they are always full!
Booking website: https: //hk.trip.com/travel-guide/attraction/istanbul/cemberlitas-hamam-38640629/
▼ Çeşme Hamma is so private that you can use a bathroom on your own (Photo credit: Turkish Baths)
Turkish Bath Tips
Based on my personal experience and the comments of different people about Turkish bath, I have a few tips for you to enjoy the experience!
- Read more reviews
I have seen many Turkish bath experience is not too good, usually described as a fish on the chopping board arbitrarily slaughtered, or constantly being patted all over the body, especially men are more likely to encounter this situation! So remember to read more reviews before making a decision! - Hot private baths need to be booked in advance.
Turkish bath is a popular activity among locals, so remember to book a week or so in advance for some of the popular Turkish baths. Especially for private baths, it is recommended to book a month in advance to avoid losing the chance to experience it. - Bring your own towel/disposable underwear
Most hammams provide towels and disposable items, but disposable underwear may not be provided, so it is best to bring your own if you want to wear them! - Affordable Turkish baths
If you think the Turkish bath in Istanbul is too expensive, I highly recommend you to experience it in other cities, such as Cappadocia, Antalya, etc. The Turkish bath in these cities is usually around HK$300-$600. Of course, the experience may not be as high class, but it’s definitely a good choice for poor travelers!
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