Whilst in Turkey most visitors should visit a traditional Hammam. Used for health benefits these Hammams are also a place for relaxation and a good social time with family and friends.
Normally hammams or spas are separated with different sections for men and women and the traditional hammam experience is about leaving oneself in the hands of, for men, the tellak or, for women, the natir.
There are many different options available when going to a hammam but we will focus on the standard hammam experience.
A traditional Turkish bath package will include about 45 minutes of washing, scrubbing with a hand woven wash cloth called a ‘kese’ and a foamy wash with massage. You will normally be provided with a ‘peshtemal’ which is a thin cotton towel to wrap yourself in. You will also need a towel to use after bathing. Your personal belongings will be kept in a special room with lockers. Once inside you will go into a warm area much like a sauna. Here you can relax and sweat whilst sitting next to the ‘kurna’ a small marble basin. After this you will be scrubbed, which is done by your attendant. You can relax while they scrub every inch of your body with the special kese. Once you have been well and truly scrubbed, you will take your place on a hot marble slab called a ‘gobektasi’. Here your attendant will be ready with a lacy foam filled cloth for a sudsy massage. Following this wonderful experience most bathers decide to linger in this area and relax. History says that many Turkish ladies used this experience to find a suitable bride for their sons. They can check out their future ‘gelin’ bride, physically and may have even chatted to get a feel for her.
Before you leave, many hammams will serve visitors a glass of sherbet ( a traditional Ottoman beverage which is sweet) or simply, a Turkish tea. The idea of this is to give your body time for its temperature to regulate. Don’t forget,, this is also the time to tip your attendant.