Steamy Secrets Revealed: What Really Happens Inside a Turkish Hammam!

Turkish Hammams date back thousands of years to the Ottoman period and going to a Hammam is one of the most cultural experiences you can have when in Turkey. A Turkish Hammam is more than just a bath—the hamman experience is a centuries-old tradition that leaves you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and deeply cleansed. Turkish bathing practices are an essential part of culture. Whether you choose a historic hammam reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire or a modern spa-style experience, it’s a must-try ritual when visiting Turkey or exploring Turkish culture.

I once walked in off the street to check out Suleymaniye Turkish hammam. The pamphlet offering “free life insurance during washing in the hammam and shuttle service” was enough to put me off and I turned around and walked out. A day later, I plucked up courage and drifted into Cemberlitas Hamami, partly attracted by the building designed by the great Ottoman architect Sinan and partly because I felt I needed to experience a Turkish hammam in Istanbul. The reception area was filled with men of different shapes wearing little more than towels wrapped around their waists. I suppressed the urge to flee as the attendant pushed a menu in front of me.

“First you select treatment then he shows you women’s hammam,” he said, pointing at a scruffy teenaged lad. Unable to concentrate on the menu, an image of myself lying naked in a vast marble hall full of noisy strangers while being kneaded and scrubbed by a hefty Turkish masseuse didn’t really hold much appeal so I turned around and walked out again!

When I finally found the courage to fully delve into the hammam scene, I realised that all I needed were a few tips on what to expect of the hammam experience. Many hammams are decked out in marble and have high domed ceilings, with heated slabs on which bathers sweat and chat. Fortunately, many Turkish hammams in Istanbul cater to foreigners and provide a variety of treatments. The Turkish bath experience ranges from economical do-it-yourself bathrooms, where you’re provided with soap, shampoo and a towel up to the royal treatment in a luxury five-star hotel spa.

Everything You Need To Know About Turkish Hammams

What To Expect At A Turkish Hammam

Arriving at the Hammam

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted at the reception area and asked to choose your preferred service. Options range from self-service (where you bathe yourself) to a full-service hammam experience package that includes a professional scrub and massage.

You’ll be given a peshtemal (a traditional thin cotton towel) to wrap around your body and possibly wooden sandals (takunya). Men and women usually have separate sections or designated times if it’s a unisex bathhouse.

Many hammams provide individual lockers to store your clothes, shoes and valuables. Some high-end hammams even offer private changing cabins for more privacy.

The hammam consists of three main areas:

• The Hot Room (Hararet) – the hot room where you sweat and relax.
• The Warm Room – the warm room is where the scrubbing and washing take place.
• The Cooling Room – the cold room is where you relax after the treatment.

Once inside, you’ll be led to a heated marble platform (Göbektaşı) in the center of the hot room. This area is warm and humid, designed to open up your pores.

The Scrubbing and Cleansing Ritual

If you opt for a traditional experience, an attendant (called a tellak for men or natir for women) will scrub your body in the warm room with a rough kese (exfoliating glove), removing dead skin.

After scrubbing, you’ll be rinsed with warm water poured over you from a metal bowl. This is followed by a foam massage, where you’ll be covered in soft, fragrant bubbles and gently massaged.

Rinsing Off and Hair Washing

After the scrub and foam massage, the attendant will rinse you thoroughly using buckets of water. Some hammams also offer hair washing and head massages, depending on the package you choose.

Relaxing in the Cooling Room

Once the cleansing ritual is complete, you’ll be directed to a cooling area to rest and let your body adjust to normal temperatures.
You can sip on Turkish tea, sherbet (a traditional fruit drink), or water while lounging.

Optional Add-ons

Some hammams offer oil massages or face masks as an extra indulgence. You can bring your own kese glove or purchase one at the hammam. Some modern hammams also provide spa services like aromatherapy and clay masks.

Historic Turkish Hammams

Best Hammams In Istanbul, Turkey

• Cemberlitas Hamamm – One of the most well-known Istanbul hamams is Çemberlitaş Hammamı, built in 1584 by the legendary Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. Located near the Grand Bazaar, this hammam is part of Istanbul’s rich history and features a beautiful central dome and offers an authentic Ottoman bathing experience in the old city.

• Cağaloğlu Hammam – Another iconic hammam when visiting Istanbul is Cağaloğlu Hammam, built in 1741 and renowned for its stunning blend of Baroque and Ottoman architectural styles. It has been visited by historical figures such as Florence Nightingale and King Edward VIII, making it a favorite among travelers seeking a luxurious yet traditional experience.

• Süleymaniye Hammam – The hammam constructed in 1557 as part of the Süleymaniye Mosque complex, is one of the few hammams in Istanbul that allows mixed-gender bathing, making it ideal for couples. Another historically significant bathhouse is the Hürrem Sultan Hammam, located between the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Built for Roxelana, the wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, this Ottoman Empire hammam has been carefully restored and offers a high-end, imperial-style bathing experience.

• Tarihi Galatasaray Hammam – built in 1481 near Taksim Square, this hammam is another popular choice for those visiting Istanbul.

Bursa – The Birthplace of Turkish Hammams

Bursa, known for its thermal baths, is home to some of Turkey’s oldest hammams.

Çekirge Eski Kaplıca Hammam – originally built in the Byzantine era and later restored by the Ottomans, is famous for its natural thermal spring water, which is believed to have healing properties.

Yeni Kaplıca Hammam – built in 1552 during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, this hammam also utilizes thermal waters, offering a combination of spa therapy and traditional Turkish bathing.

Edirne

For those looking to experience a more authentic hammam experience in a less touristy hammam, Sokullu Hammam in Edirne is an excellent choice. Built in the 16th century by Mimar Sinan, this hammam is well-preserved and provides an insight into the daily rituals of Ottoman-era bathing culture.

Ankara

In Turkey’s capital, Şengül Hammamı stands out as one of the oldest and most traditional hammams, dating back to the Seljuk era in the 13th century. It is a great option for those looking for a more local and budget-friendly travel experience compared to the grand hammams of Istanbul.

Antalya

In southern Turkey, Karacabey Hammam in Antalya, dating back to the 15th century, offers a historical bathing experience in a beautiful coastal setting.

Which Hammam Should You Choose?

For a truly luxurious Turkish Hammam experience, Hürrem Sultan Hammam or Cağaloğlu Hammam in Istanbul provide top-tier service and stunning architecture. Those seeking a more historical and authentic experience should visit Çemberlitaş Hammam or Süleymaniye Hammam.

If thermal waters are of interest, Bursa’s Çekirge or Yeni Kaplıca Hammams are excellent choices. Travellers wanting a quiet, local experience should consider Sokullu Hammam in Edirne or Şengül Hammam in Ankara.

Turkish Spa Luxury Experience

If you’re still not convinced a traditional hammam experience is for you, luckily, many hotels – including the Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton and Ciragan Palace Kempinski – and wellness centres have private hammams.

A five-star Turkish Hamman encounter might be a gentler way to ease into the scene versus a public bath. Rather than bathing in a large common hall, guests are treated in small marble hammam rooms decorated with marble benches, designer appointments and decked out with everything you’d expect in a luxury resort spa.

You’ll find thick terry-towelling bathrobes, scented aromatherapy oils, designer toiletries, herbal teas and luxuriously furnished lounge rooms.

I found myself in the spa of the opulent Ritz Carlton in the trendy Beyoglu district.

After 10 minutes in a little steam room, I was guided into the ring-shaped hammam room lined with light grey marble from the quarries of the Afyon region in Turkey.

Water gushed from ornate bronze faucets and blue Iznik tiles with floral designs decorated the walls.

In the centre of the room was a round marble dais modelled after a 16th-century Turkish hammam.

My attendant was a middle-aged woman called Fatima. She stripped down to a blue one-piece swimsuit and got to work.

I had signed up for the Ritz-Carlton Ultimate Hamam Treatment. But wished I had picked one of the more decadent treatments, such as the Sultan’s Royal Six Hands Massage or a honey and milk or wine bath.

“First-time hammam?” asked Fatima. I nodded.

“You baby, me mama,” she responded patting me on the arm.

Even though the room was big enough to accommodate two dozen bodies, unlike the traditional hammams, there was no one else besides Fatima and I.

“Baby lie here,” she pointed at the heated slab in the centre of the room.

I reluctantly took my place on the stone bed.

She poured warm water over my body with a beautifully engraved copper bowl then scrubbed me from head to toe.

I was splashed with more water and soaped with a fragrant body.

Then she began the massage and I felt like I was in heaven.

At the end of the treatment, Fatima had a grin from ear to ear. She patted me again on the shoulder as I left the marble room.

“You beautiful; you princess,” she said. And I after than treatment, I certainly felt like a princess.