Turkish hamam traditions go far back to Roman times, when many cities in Turkey was founded and built. A true Roman city should have at least one hamam. The tradition disappears together with the collapse of the Eastern Roman Empire, but in the 1500s, when the Ottoman became powerful, the hamam tradition again occurred.

Islam places great emphasis on cleanliness. A Turkish hamam are visited both by women and men, but on Thursday’s it can be very crowded by men, who wants to "clean" themselves before Friday's mosque visit.

How to do in a Hamam

You start in the sauna where your body warm up. Dip the bathing bowl into the basin with cold water and tip it over your head and body. Waves of relaxation seem to pour right through you as the water envelops your body.

 Then you go to the steam room where you lay down on a hot marble table, and waiting for your attendant (tellak for men and natir for women) will pour hot water on you and begin to scrub every square inch of your body. Basically, every millimetre of dead and dirty skin is scrubbed off, even the skin between your fingers and toes.

Afterwards you are lathered with soap/foam and shampoo and the attendant will wash you from head to toe again as if you are a small child. One last shower and then it is time to leave the Sicaklik.

Then follows a full body oil massage. Now your skin is soft and smooth as a baby's bottom and you are ready to continue your holiday with fresh and stimulated skin.

However, remember that your skin is very sensitive to the strong sun just after a visit to a Hamam. .

ATTENTION! Most often, it is men who are in charge of scrubbing and massage, so ask for a woman if you wish. Be aware that a visit in a hamam can be experienced very intimate so if you don’t want a full massage, just say it straight away - the main thing is that you enjoy the experience.

The following are included:

Sauna, scrubbing/peeling, foam massage, oil massage and towels.