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ABOUT THE TURKISH HAMAM
One of the first questions you may have is "Why do I see two different spellings for a Turkish Hamam? I’ve seen it written Hamam an Hammam."
Although they are one and the same, Hamam is the Turkish version of the Arabic word Hammâm.
The Turkish hamam bath houses originated during the Ottoman Empire. It became embedded into the culture of Turkey where not only did one go to the hamam to bathe but they served as an important social facility. Hamams, being integrated into the social structure, were used by all – rich or poor, high class, middle class or lower class, city, town or villager. While a part of everyday life, special events or occasions (weddings, etc.) prompted a hamam visit to celebrate as a group.
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There are numerous hamams (bath houses) in Turkey and throughout the world; Several are quite famous. It is not surprising to find even famous hamams that don’t look like much at all from the outside. Situated between buildings on an ordinary street, looking somewhat in disrepair, at times you’d never know a hamam was inside if not for the signage out front. |
But that initial disappointment disappears once you enter the hamam. You will be surprised to find marble floors and walls, fixtures of brass, inlaid ceramic tiles in assorted colors or patterns and an incomparable atmosphere and experience.
WHAT IS INSIDE A TURKISH HAMAM?
A traditional Turkish hamam will have three basic rooms that are all interconnected within the bath house. The rising temperature in each of the rooms takes you to the hottest area of the hamam gradually so your body can adjust to the heat.
The Sogukluk is one of the first rooms you will enter. Referred to as the “cold room” or “cool room” this room is not actually cold but of normal temperature compared to the other rooms within the hamam.
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Here you will change into a pestemal, slip nalins (or clogs) onto your feet and store your clothing and belongings before entering into the hamam.
You will again return to this room after the bath to socialize and drink refreshments. |
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The Iliklik is a tepid, or warm room situated between the Sogukluk and the Sicaklik (the hottest room). This room allows your body to slowly adjust to heat.
The most important room, the Sicaklik (also known as the Hararet) is the hot room or the steam room and is the hottest room in the hamam. The Sicaklik room is where the bath and bath rituals (scrubs, treatments) take place.
The room usually has a large dome ceiling with small glass windows that allow natural light to filter in. There may be fountains and sinks, but the focal point in the Sicaklik room is the Göbek Tasi.
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The Göbek Tasi is an all marble heated platform or the hot stone. An important element of the Turkish bath ritual is to steam the body to open the pores and dispel impurities. Before any bath treatments begin, you will lie on the Göbek Tasi for awhile.
The heated marble combined with the steam and heat in the room makes you perspire, opens the pores for cleaning and helps you to relax. |
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