Turkish bathhouses are an integral part of the country’s rich history. More than just places for physical cleansing, Hammams have traditionally served as hubs for rest, rejuvenation, and community. Modern-day Turkish bathhouses such as the Zeyrek Çinili Hammam reflect these cultural qualities as well. Let’s walk through the expectations and preparations necessary for this age-old Turkish bath experience and get a taste of the ancient wellness practices amid Ottoman opulence.
A Turkish bath or Hammam ritual is a full-body cleansing process that was developed during the Ottoman times. It combines elements from Roman and Byzantine bathing practices (like thermal baths) and Ottoman concepts of purification, social gathering, and community.
One of Turkey’s greatest cultural achievements has been the preservation of this traditional Hammam process. Most of the practices have remained unchanged since the Ottoman era. At the Zeyrek Çinili Hammam, these ancient traditions are skillfully blended with modern touches to enhance the bathing and cleansing experience for the guests. Visiting a Turkish bath for tourists offers a welcoming introduction to this centuries-old ritual.
The Zeyrek Çinili Hammam offers an unmatched and authentic Hammam experience to its guests. This Ottoman architectural wonder has been fully restored to its opulent past and is the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. A traditional Turkish bath is divided into three phases; The changing/resting room (Camekan), the Hot room (Sıcaklık), and the Cold room (Soğukluk). The Hammam process begins with warming up the body and follows with exfoliation, soap/foam massage, rinsing off, and resting.
No conversation about historical Turkish Hammam in Istanbul is complete without mentioning the awe-inspiring Zeyrek Çinili Hammam. The Ottoman-era architectural wonder perfectly blends time-honored bathing practices with modern conveniences to provide its guests with the Turkish bath experience of a lifetime.
Zeyrek Çinili Hammam is located in Zeyrek, Fatih Istanbul. This Ottoman architectural marvel was built during the time of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent and is a testament to the skills of the famous Ottoman Architect, Mimar Sinan. After an ambitious restoration process lasting 13 years, the Zeyrek Çinili Hammam re-opened its doors to the public in September 2023.
The history of Zeyrek Çinili Hammam spans approximately 500 years. The word Çinili in the name of this historic Hammam refers to the Iznik tiles that were specifically commissioned and curated for the Zeyrek Çinili Hammam.
This historic Zeyrek Çinili Hammam was out of service for a long time but was meticulously restored over 13 years by The Marmara Group.
The Zeyrek Çinili Hammam showcases traditional Turkish Hammam, a Museum, private gardens, and a contemporary art space. Guests can experience the delights of the Turkish spa rituals while availing of these diverse services. For the best Turkish bath experience, the doors of the Zeyrek Çinili Hammam are open to visitors from all over the globe.
A traditional Hammam massage treatment at a Turkish bathhouse has four basic steps.
Steam therapy is used to warm up the body, open pores, and relax the muscles. The warm-up room is spacious and typically lined with marble. At the center, you'll find a large heated marble platform called the göbek taşı, where you can lie down to unwind and loosen your muscles.
Once the pores are open and you are running a good sweat, your skin is ready for the exfoliation step. Traditional massage therapists use a specific mitt called Kese to gently scrub off all the dead skin cells. This exfoliating scrub massage improves blood circulation and smoothens the skin.
A traditional Turkish foam massage uses rich, luxurious soap to create a full-body lather. The therapist gently massages the muscles to promote relaxation and deep cleansing. In Ottoman times, this massage was performed by Tellak (a male bath attendant), who would spend years training under more experienced mentors to master their craft.
The last step in a traditional Turkish bathhouse is rinsing off the soap lather and a rest period to cool down and rehydrate the body.
You can experience other premium wellness treatments along with these traditional Turkish Spa rituals at the Zeyrek Çinili Hammam to elevate your bathing experience.
Turkish spa rituals owe their popularity to their unique blend of culture, history, and Ottoman traditions. Hammam massage treatments provide full-body relaxation, deep cleansing, and many other holistic benefits.
For an authentic Turkish bath experience, set amid the opulent and rich architectural heritage of the Ottoman era, book your visit to the Zeyrek Çinili Hammam today!