Original hamams, internationally known as “Turkish Baths”, are examples of İstanbul’s rich inventory of historical monuments. It is a distinctive experience to explore these hamams, some of which are about 500 years old. The term “hamam” brings the Romans in mind, because they combined their advanced engineering skills with their much developed taste for comfort. The Ottomans preserved the hamam tradition of the Romans and built many new hamams at different points throughout İstanbul. During the Ottoman period, hamams were not only places to bathe, but also places of entertainment. Going to hamams, where the entertainment included music and the performances of belly dancers, were the most important social activity for Ottoman women. These hamams, combined with elements from the Ottoman culture, have gained a distinctive identity under the name “Turkish bath” with the gradual decline of the hamam tradition in the west. A visit to İstanbul is not complete without a visit to the historical hammas. Even if people’s bathing habits have changed considerably, there is still interest in going to hamams thanks to recreational activities known as “hamam delights.”


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