Turkish baths or hammams are much more than a place to cleanse the body. Since the Roman Empire, they have been a social space for organizations, such as bachelor parties or wedding ceremonies.
Historical Roots and Spiritual Role
The history of hammams dates back to the Roman era, when they were called thermae and served as settings for communal bathing. Core elements of the traditional public bath — steam, exfoliation, and purification — have transcended centuries, continuing to define the timeless ritual of the hammam today
Historically speaking, hammams are generally located near mosques. That is no coincidence. It is a deliberate choice to encourage Muslim worshippers to get cleansed before praying. Islam places a high importance on cleaning, and there is a saying that “Cleanliness is next to godliness”. The act of sweating and washing in a warm environment helps to detoxify the body as well as the soul.
Inside Çemberlitaş Hammam, the warm room section
What to Expect from the Hammam Experience
The experience starts with the cold room (soğukluk), which has changing cabins and spaces for having tea or coffee to rest. In changing cabins, after taking off their clothes, bathers cover their bodies with cotton towels (peştamal). After getting ready, they get into the warm room (ılıklık) where they can adjust to the heat before exfoliation.
Changing Cabins, Çemberlitaş Hammam
On the second stage, the bathers lay down on a large navel stone (göbek taşı) in the warm room (sıcaklık), which has a domed central chamber to ensure heat control. Approximately 15-20 minutes later, the attendants begin to exfoliate the bathers’ bodies with a scrub (kese), followed by a relaxing massage with foaming (köpük) sopa.
If you are looking for the best places and deals for hammams, please read the options below. Whether you're seeking a luxurious spa-like experience or a more authentic, local bathhouse, there's something here for every taste and budget
Çemberlitaş Hammam: Authentic and Affordable
Located in the historic heart of Istanbul, where the ancient Forum of Constantine once stood, Çemberlitaş Hammam offers one of the finest examples of classical Ottoman architecture, masterfully designed by the renowned imperial architect Mimar Sinan. Stepping into this centuries-old bathhouse is like traveling back in time — the domed ceilings, marble interiors, and ambient steam create a truly immersive experience. What sets Çemberlitaş apart is its perfect blend of authenticity and affordability. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler seeking a cultural escape, this hammam provides a genuine Turkish bath ritual at a reasonable price, right in the city center.
Hürrem Sultan Hammam: Luxurious and Prestigious
Located between two of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks — the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque — Hürrem Sultan Hammam offers a truly regal experience rooted in imperial history. Commissioned in 1556 by Hürrem Sultan, the powerful wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, and designed by the legendary Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, this hammam stands on the site of the ancient Baths of Zeuxippus. Meticulously restored with over 1,300 square meters of Marmara marble, its symmetrical double design for men and women was revolutionary for its time. Today, Hürrem Sultan Hammam blends historical grandeur with contemporary comfort, offering a luxurious bathing ritual fit for royalty. For visitors seeking a high-end, culturally immersive hammam experience in Istanbul, it remains an unforgettable destination.
