ISTANBUL: As the sun casts its gentle warmth over Sultanahmet Square, its rays first illuminate the dome of the Hagia Sophia before guiding visitors toward the historic Hurrem Sultan Hammam, nestled in a quiet corner of the square.
Approaching the main entrance of the hammam, one is welcomed by a stunning example of Ottoman architecture. Designed by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan at the behest of Hurrem Sultan, the wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, this bathhouse dates back to the 16th century. Despite the passage of time, its understated charm, arched windows, and iconic dome remain remarkably impressive.
Inside, the soothing sound of flowing water transports visitors back to the Ottoman era. The soft glow of marble, enveloping warm steam, and rhythmic splashes of water remind us that for centuries, the Turkish hammam has served as a center for cleansing, relaxation, and social interaction.
After experiencing a decline in modern times, this cherished tradition is enjoying a stylish resurgence as younger generations rediscover these age-old bathing rituals.
“In the last 15 years, there has been a significant revival, especially among young people,” says Elizabet Kurumlu, an Istanbul-based hammam expert and guide.
Outside the historic Hurrem Sultan hammam, Kurumlu passionately explains how henna parties—pre-wedding celebrations where brides and friends gather at a hammam—have ignited a cultural revival. “It all began with the henna parties,” she shares. “Young girls are eager to host these parties, which are akin to our bridal celebrations in Türkiye. You come to a hammam and have your hand dyed with henna. It’s a time-honored tradition that is making a comeback.”
A Draw for Tourists
Kurumlu believes that the resurgence of hammams can be attributed to media coverage and initiatives by the Turkish government aimed at reviving this cultural practice.
Nihat Katipzadeler, a board member of Hurrem Sultan Hammam, notes the role of social media in amplifying interest in the Turkish bath experience. “Young people are increasingly exposed to content about Turkish baths on social media platforms,” he states. “Tourists and locals sharing their hammam experiences on Instagram and YouTube are helping this culture reach a broader audience.”
He adds that young people are keen to connect with their cultural heritage. “Hammams, which are integral to Turkish culture, are gaining renewed interest as part of this heritage. Young people now prefer visiting baths to engage with their cultural roots.”
Tourists in Türkiye are also drawn to this ancient tradition. “All the hammams are definitely full,” Kurumlu observes, pointing out that this includes not just well-known historical bathhouses but also smaller, lesser-known establishments. “We certainly need more hammams, that’s for sure.”
Katipzadeler concurs, highlighting that Turkish baths have become a major attraction for international visitors, whose interest aids in preserving this cultural practice. “Many hammams are modernizing by blending traditional elements with contemporary spa and wellness practices, which captivates both domestic and foreign guests.”
He also attributes the growing global fascination with Turkish baths to the influence of Turkish TV series, films, and international media, which have led to an increase in tourist-oriented baths.
A Journey Through Time
The history of Turkish hammams spans centuries and is deeply rooted in various civilizations that have embraced public bathing. “Before Turkish baths, there were Roman baths,” Kurumlu explains. “You can find hammams throughout Anatolia, in modern Türkiye.”
She elaborates, “We inherited this concept from the Romans, who themselves were inspired by the Greeks. Furthermore, archaeological findings indicate that the Hittites also had a bathing culture.”
However, the Ottomans added their unique cultural elements to the practice. The empire, which extended from the Balkans to the Middle East and North Africa, saw the expansion and flourishing of hammams. Bursa, one of its early capitals, was particularly famous for its baths. “In the 14th century, Bursa boasted 55 market hammams alone,” Kurumlu notes.
The golden age of hammams occurred in the 16th century during Sultan Suleiman’s reign. “This was the peak era for hammams,” Kurumlu states. “It represented the golden age for these establishments.”
For Kurumlu, another pivotal moment for Turkish hammam culture came during the Tanzimat era—a mid-19th-century period marked by reforms in the Ottoman Empire that allowed greater access to hammams for women. “Before this era, women had begun to visit hammams, but during the Tanzimat, even more women participated, as hammams provided a rare social space outside their homes.”
The Decline and Resurgence of Hammams
The 20th century brought new challenges as indoor plumbing emerged in the 1950s, reducing the need for public baths. “By the 1950s, homes began to have plumbing, leading to a decline in public baths,” she explains. “This marked a significant downturn in the history of Turkish hammams.”
Public perception of hammams also shifted, with some people viewing them as unsanitary, despite their intended purpose of cleanliness. “While they flourished as places of hygiene, the availability of private baths in homes diminished the perceived need for public baths,” Kurumlu adds.
Despite these challenges, Kurumlu remains optimistic about the future of hammams. Many new establishments are emerging in Istanbul, some offering a modern interpretation of the traditional concept. “I see new hammams appearing everywhere. While they may not all be historic buildings, there are significant complexes emerging, especially on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, where hammams are just one part of the offering.”
She concludes, “I believe that in the next 20 years, the landscape will evolve, but we will see an increase in hammams as people recognize the health benefits of these practices.”