How To Visit A Turkish Hammam

This is our idea of paradise. We are sipping strong Turkish tea in an ornate Ottoman building that has stood on this spot for nearly six centuries. Sheer fabric is draped from ceiling to floor, opulent Arabic lamps softly light the space and the only noise comes from the gentle, Turkish folk music and the burbling fountain below. We are so calm and relaxed, but it didn’t quite start out like that…

Western visitors to Istanbul should not miss the amazing experience visiting a Hammam provides. However, it often comes with a lot of questions and even trepidation for many first timers. We were wondering, “what should we expect when visiting a Hammam?” “do you have to be naked in a Hammam? “and “what should you avoid when visiting a Hammam?” to mention just a few!

In this article, we hope to ease your fears and anxieties about this experience. We detail our hammam trip and fully encourage you to leave your inhibitions at the door and enjoy this glorious tradition.

Firstly, where did we go to find such bliss? There are Hammams all over Istanbul. However, we were staying near this particular Turkish Bath – Ağa Hamami. The bathhouse has thrived in Istanbul since 1454 and is the oldest in the city. It was originally built as a private Hammam for Fatih Sultan Mehmet. On a recent visit to Istanbul, we decided it was time to experience the traditional Turkish Hammam for ourselves…

What to Expect when Visiting a Turkish Hammam?

What to expect when visiting a Turkish hammam? Honestly, we were going in blind. Of course, we had done a little research but found mostly conflicting information. Being prudish Brits, we were most concerned about the level of nudity that might be required. It turns out, we were not alone in our apprehension.

I think the best way to explain what to expect when visiting a Turkish hammam is to walk you through our experience.

Let’s start from the top… We booked our slot online in the morning of the day of our visit. This is certainly advised at Ağa Hamami as it is a popular place, especially during tourist season. We went shopping in the local area and ate too much baklava before we turned up for our appointment.

We found the ancient entrance to the luxurious baths and walked in. By this point, I think it’s safe to say we were actually nervous about what was about to happen! We were about to learn how to visit a Turkish hammam… A friendly face greeted us, we paid for our booking and took a a seat on the traditional, Ottoman style cushions set out around an ornate fountain.

After around 10 minutes, we were shown to a small private dressing room and were given a peshtemal (a traditional hammam towel) and disposable slippers. We had worn bikinis and fully intended not to take them off at all costs! In an attempt to blend in, we wrapped our towel fully around us and tucked our bikini straps underneath. Of course, any guys visiting probably do not have this issue.

What Should you Avoid when Visiting a Hammam? — Spot the cat…

We Enter the Turkish Baths

After we had changed into our towel (and hidden bikini) we were guided into the first room – the hot room. Here, we enjoyed the heat (winter in Istanbul can be chilly). The room was mixed and both men and women shared the space. This isn’t the same for every bath house in Istanbul, making Aga Hammam a good option for couples. In the hot room, we took time to wash in the warm water – or cold if you prefer – and relax on the warm marble slabs.

We stayed here for around 30 minutes and it was really pleasant to be able to relax and soak up the luxurious surroundings. The heat helps to open the pores and prepare the skin for the next stage of the process.

The Kese

We were next escorted into a smaller room where we were introduced to our masseuse. It was time to lose the towel…and the top…The lady spoke very little English but was kind and direct. After a slight hesitation I decided to just get over it and do as I was asked. Almost entirely in the buff (now only my bikini bottoms remained) I clambered inelegantly onto the marble slab and faced down, as instructed.

What happened next, basically changed how I wash. My masseuse pulled out a kese – a rough glove – and scrubbed me to within an inch of my life. Any dead skin was removed without negotiation and it felt amazing! I was then flipped over for the same process. Finally I was asked to sit up and my arms received the same treatment.

After this I was instructed to lie back down on the slab before I had warm water sloshed all over me to rise everything away.

The Foam Bath

The third part in the process involved bubbles that felt as soft as silk. My masseuse filled up some kind of bag with thousands of small, impossibly soft and sweet smelling bubbles. She then poured them all over me and continued the washing ritual. By this point I felt as clean as a new pin! The process ended with a thorough hair wash and a new peshtemal. I wrapped myself in my new, dry, colourful towel and made my way out of the small room. We walked up the stairs together.

There are other treatments such as massages and face masks, but this is where we end.

After the Hammam Ritual

We were led upstairs, given a Turkish tea, water, a towel to dry our hair and invited to relax on the loungers for as long as we liked. The soft scent of soap floats around the warm air and we sip our strong, hot tea, relaxed, clean and maybe even a few ounces lighter!

Ağa Hamamı can be found here – Kuloğlu, Turnacıbaşı Cd. No:48, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

What Should you Avoid when Visiting a Hammam?

Our visit to the Turkish Hammam wasn’t nearly as much of a minefield as we thought. The process was pretty simple and very pleasant. In case you’re still concerned, here are a few little things to keep in mind when visiting a Turkish bath.

Firstly, and this is a biggy, don’t go completely naked. It’s actually not allowed in most places. Many women go topless. However, the hammams aimed at tourists often ask that swimwear is worm and women remain covered by the towel. This is because the more touristy bath houses are often mixed.

It’s probably best not to wear light underwear. This might turn transparent when wet, and it will get wet.

Don’t forget to pack extra clothes for after the ritual. Not all hammams provide disposable underwear so best to come prepared. Aga Hammam did provide some toiletries such as leave-in-conditioner, spray deodorant and moisturiser.

Ladies, better take off that makeup before you enter the bathhouse.

Leave a tip. It is customary to leave a decent tip and it will be very much appreciated by the staff.