Hammams, A Turkish Delight

There is surely no coincidence two of the greatest empires in history both had a penchant for baths. The Romans may be more famous for this, but the Ottoman Turks gave this form of hygiene and leisure a distinctly Islamic feel.

The biggest difference between a hammam and a Roman or Victorian bath is the humidity. Hammams are more similar to a steam room, though there are two distinct stages: The “warm room” to get some perspiration started and then the “hot room” to really get things going and clean out those pores.

One of the oldest hammams in Istanbul, dating from the 16th century, is the Çemberlitaş Hammam. Çemberlitaş’ huge dome and awe-inspiring architecture attracts travelers and locals alike and a day at this iconic bathing house will surely be one that will live long in the memory.

Located by the Grand Bazaar certainly a not-to-be-missed attraction in its own right, the Cağaloğlu Hammam, Cağaloğlu is another hammam you should not miss while exploring Turkey. With a cafe and BBQ, parties in the summer and campfires in the winter, the atmosphere is as good as the stunning domed ceilings and marble facades.

Istanbul is one of the cities that must be on your bucket list: East meets West, Asia meets Europe and old meets new. What better way to enjoy it than in one of its most well-loved hammams?