Historic Turkish Baths in Istanbul
The tradition of the Turkish Bath, Hammam, extends far back when the Turks reached Anatolia in the 11th century. The hammam became a part everyday life, a place where any kind of people could come together and enjoy their time. Women had separate sections, it was a social meeting as well. But in our century unfortunately the rush of the life has taken this tradition away, it's almost becoming a "luxury" timewise. Despite this, there are still many traditional Turkish Baths in Istanbul that try to survive and attract people. When you visit Istanbul you should definately try one of these old hammams and experience a soap massage as well.
Çemberlitas Bath
The Çemberlitas Hammam is located next to the Cemberlitas Column, near the Grand Bazaar. It was built by architect Sinan in 1584 on the wish of Nurbanu Sultan, mother of Sultan Murat III and wife of Selim II, to provide a source of revenue for the Valide-i Atik Mosque in Uskudar.
The Hammam was originally built as a double bath for both men and women in separate sections, but the women's section was demolished in the 19th century under the reign of sultan Abdulaziz in order to widen the road. Lately, the women's section is re-built but nowadays they use the same entrance with the men before going to their own section. The dressing room areas are roofed with large domes and are called as cold section (sogukluk in Turkish). The baths have 38 washing basins (kurna) in the hot areas (sicaklik). In the middle of this hot area, a large and heated marble platform (gobektasi) is located and private bathing cubicles (halvet) are around the room.
It's open everyday between 06.00-24.00.
Tel: (212) 522 79 74 and 520 18 50
Cagaloglu Bath
It's located in Cagaloglu neighborhood near the Underground Cistern. The hammam was built by an unknown architect in 1741 by the order of Sultan Mahmut I to provide revenue for the library of Sultan Mahmut and the Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia) Mosque at that time.
The hammam has separate sections for both men and women. It combines different Ottoman architectural styles and was the last of the great hammams to be built in the city before their construction was forbidden by Sultan Mustafa III in 1768, because of the increasing needs for water and wood in Istanbul.
The door of the women's section is on a side street called Hamam street, while the men's entrance is from the main road of Yerebatan street. After entering, in the middle is a pool with a waterjet and dressing rooms around. The domes are supported by arches and columns. After the cold area (sogukluk), you enter in the hot area (sicaklik). There is a marble platform (gobektasi) in the center, surrounded by bathing cubicles (halvets) in all four corners.
It's open everyday between 08:00-22:00 for the men and between 08:00-20:00 for the women.
Tel: (212) 522 24 24
Galatasaray Bath
It's located in Galatasaray neighborhood of Beyoglu district, in one of the side streets. The hammam was built in 1715 as a public bath in a classical Turkish Bath architectural design. It was renovated in 1965 loosing some of its historical elements. A small women's section was added during this extensive renovation. Being close to the historic Pera neighborhood and Taksim Square, the Hammam attracts many people, both local and tourists.
Tel: (212) 252 42 42
Cardakli Bath
The hammam is located at Kadirga neighborhood, near Kucuk Aya Sofya Mosque (S. Sergius and Bacchus Church of Byzantine period). It was built in 1503 by Huseyin Aga. A Byzantine inscription found at the entrance and its irregular design sounds that it was converted into a Turkish Bath probably from an old Byzantine building.
Suleymaniye Bath
It was built in 1557 by great architect Sinan as a part of Suleymaniye Mosque Complex. It's located at Suleymaniye neighborhood and used for tourism purposes mostly. The bath has a cold section (sogukluk) which is also used for dressing, lukewarm section to adapt your body temperature before passing to the hot area, and the hot section (sicaklik).
Open everyday for men between 06:00-24:00, or for mixed tourist groups.
Tel: (212) 520 34 10
Sofular Bath
It's located in Fatih district. The hammam was built in the beginning of 16th century. Dressing rooms are lined on two floors and there is a small decorative water jet pool in the middle.
Open everyday between 06:00-23:00 for the men, and between 08:30-20:00 for the women.
Tel: (212) 521 37 59
Buyuk (Grand) Bath
The hammam was built in 1533 by architect Sinan next to a mosque at Kasimpasa neighborhood. It has separate sections for both men and women.
Tel: (212) 253 42 29
Aga Bath
The hammam was built in 1610 by Ismail Aga who was the head (Aga) of food storage keeper of sultan Ahmet I. It has separate sections for both men and women. The hammam is in the Uskudar district, on the Asian side of Istanbul.
Tel: (216) 333 38 27
Eski (Old) Bath
The hammam is located in Uskudar district. Its architect and building year are unknown but historic and architectural evidences show that it should date back to 15th century. It's also known as Sifa (cure) Baths. The hammam has separate sections for men and women which are still in use today.
It's open everyday between 06:00-21:00 for the men, and between 09:00-17:00 for the women.
Tel: (216) 333 27 87
Hope to see you soon in Istanbul.