Cağaloğlu Hamam: One Of The 1000 Places To See Before You Die

Cağaloğlu Hamam

Turkish baths (Hamams) are very special since the Ottoman period.

Turkish hamams were also very important in terms of ceremonies like weddings.

Turkish bath is a way of relaxation and cleansing the body. It’s similar to the one of a sauna, but not the same. The hamam starts in a marble platform which graces the middle of the hamams. It’s known as the göbek tasi (navel stone).

The people in Turkish bath, lie on the navel stone for a special massage for deep cleansing of dead skin cells and for revitalizing the body. After that, the masseur bathes the guest with warm water and soap. Then, the guest is given special type of public bath towel and he/she is directed to a private changing room.

The Hamam oxygenates the cells, tissues and organs. By speeding up the metabolism and by eliminating toxins, it promotes healing. Another positive effect of the hamam is weight loss. Because, it burns about 300 calories per average session.

Cağaloğlu Hamam on the right side of Yerebatan (Basilica cistern) Street, was built by Sultan Mahmut the 1st in 1741. It has two sections, which can offer treatments to both men and women during the same day of the week. It’s one of the famous historical baths, is very popular and best place to relax after a long day. As an example for this, The New York Times has published three articles about the building over the past ten years. Furthermore, the hamam was listid in the book of ‘1000 Places To See Before You Die’ which Patricia Schultz wrote.

If you are visiting İstanbul, it’s highly recommended to visit one of the Turkish baths especially Cağaloğlu Hamam both for health and cleanliness.