If you are visiting Istanbul for the first time, you will definitely want to experience the bath rituals of the Ottoman sultans. Hamams, or public baths, are an essential part of the social life in urban Islam. Hamams have existed since the Hellenistic period and flourished with the Romans and Byzantines. Whereas the bathing tradition died out in the west, it continued in the Levant after the arrival of Muslim Arabs, and the period following the rise of Islam witnessed a rapid development in public baths and some modifications from Roman to Islamic bathing.
Turkish baths have been one of the points of cleaning and socialization for centuries. Built by order of Ottoman sultans have many authentic baths in Turkey. But the most important baths are located in Istanbul. Here are 10 traditional hamam absolute must-see in Istanbul.
10 Best Turkish Baths & Hamams In Istanbul
1- Cağaloğlu Hamamı
Built in 1741 by order of Sultan Mahmut I, this gorgeous hamam offers separate baths for men and women and a range of bath services. Cağaloğlu is the last big Hamam built in the Ottoman era and was put in the list of 1000 must- see places before you die by New York Times! Unlike other major hamams in the city, it is in its original state, having never been restored.
2- Çemberlitaş Hamamı
No stay in Istanbul would be complete without a bout of steaming, soaping, scrubbing and massaging in a Turkish Bath (hamam). Çemberlitaş Hamam, built-in 1584, is commonly hailed as one of the most beautiful. Designed by Sinan, it was commissioned by Selim II’s wife Nurbanu Sultan, as a way of providing financial support for the Atik Valide Sultan Mosque in Uskudar, of which she was the sponsor. Today, Çemberlitaş is still used by Turks, but is the most popular tourist and photographers – it’s a regular location for film and fashion shoots.
3- Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı
Recently restored within the Kılıç Ali Mosque complex near Tophane, it is for us one of the best among the historic hamams. High quality service in a historic and refined environment.
4-Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı
In 2011 a meticulous and respectful restoration was completed by the historic Hürrem Sultan Hamamı, located right next to the Sultanahmet Hippodrome, between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The hamam dates back to 1556, always the work of the great architect Mimar Sinan and stands on the remains of what were the Roman Baths of Zeusippus. Originally dedicated to Hürrem Sultan, the legendary Roxelana, a Ukrainian slave who became the favorite of Suleiman the Magnificent and later the repository of enormous power.
5- Galatasaray Hamamı
In the Beyoğlu area, built in 1715, also one of the most famous and tourist destinations.
6- Süleymaniye Hamamı
It is part of the magnificent complex of the Süleymaniye Mosque, built in 1557, recently restored. It allows entry only to 32 people at a time, for this reason however it is necessary to book well in advance (in truth it is difficult to find a place, given that they have agreements with the hotels).
7- Tarihi Vezneciler Hamamı
Historical Vezneciler Turkish Bath is located in the district of Fatih, on Bozdogan Kemeri Road. Ottoman Ruler Sultan Beyazid II had it built in the year 1481. Being the first and only Bath built on the second floor, Vezneciler Turkish Bath is unique both in the world and Turkey. The curative water that heals the illness of jaundice is another feature of this bath.
The 300-year old Cesme Hamam is one of the most beautiful baths in Istanbul. The historical Çeşme Hamamı was built by Grand Admiral Kaymak Mustafa Pasha at the end of the 1720s, in the Tulip Era. It continued to be used as a bathhouse until 2017 when it was restored by preserving its original structure. Çeşme Hamam was reopened by The Galata Istanbul Hotel MGallery by Sofitel in accordance with its original style and maintains the 300-year-old tradition of wellness of water therapy. The Hamam is just a 5-minute walk from the Karakoy tram stop.
9- Şifa Hamam
The Historical Şifa Hamam is located on the historical peninsula of Istanbul. Although the construction date of Sifa Hamami is unknown, it is thought to have been built in the 15th century. Sifa is a basic Hamam at a very reasonable price!
10- Mihrimah Sultan Hamamı
Mihrimah Sultan Hamam, a 1565 hamam that is next to the mosque of the same name. It will not have the architectural grandeur of the most famous, but if you want an experience like the Turks and not the tourists, it is an ideal place.
