TURKEY, PART 4 OF 5: THE HAMAM

A traditional Turkish bath is called a hamam and a visit was definitely on my to-do list. This was a small part of my trip yet so unique and memorable I think it requires its own blog post. I love a good spa experience as much as the next person however it’s really something else to be scrubbed, rubbed, massaged and sudsed in a gorgeous marble bath house. Enter, the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamami, built in 1556:  the historical and luxurious art of bathing.

The Ayasofya Hamam seemingly caters to tourists yet feels truly authentic. The architecture is exquisite and the historic significance wasn’t lost even in my dazed state of relaxation. My attendant spoke no English, but we figured everything out with hand gestures, smiles and nods.

There are bath rituals and it might seem daunting at first to a westerner or first timer, but really, it’s easy. Most hamams have separate areas for men and women.

• Talk to the receptionist, decide on the treatment and pay up front.
• Head to the changing area to undress and wrap yourself sarong style (women) in a pestamal, a traditional linen bath wrap.
• Next, you’ll be escorted into the hamam area where you’re left to lounge on the massive round central heated marble platform. The idea is to sweat, loosening dirt and toxins in preparation for your wash. The whole room is steamy.
• Your attendant will next sluice you with warm water then it’s time for the dry mitt (kese) massage followed by mountains of suds, more sluicing then shampooing.
• If you’ve added on a massage you’ll be ushered to a private room.
• Afterwards, hang around. Let your muscles turn to toffee and your mind go pleasantly elastic. That is what the hamam is really all about.

My only regret is that I visited the hamam on my last night in Istanbul. If I had found the Ayasofya Hamam any earlier in my trip I would have been there every evening. –Rochelle, April 2014