The Legendary World of the Traditional Turkish Bath (Hammam)
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Time to read 4 min
People all over the world are still inspired by this famous tradition today. We bring back this old spirit at Derviş Natural Textile by making hand-woven Turkish towels, terry bathrobes, muslin kimonos, and real hammam accessories. We do this with the same respect for history, craftsmanship, and the environment.
The Turkish Hammam has been one of the most famous symbols of Anatolian culture for more than 800 years. It is a place where cleaning becomes a ritual, health becomes community, and time slows down in warm marble rooms filled with steam.
In this blog, we'll take you on a trip through the magical world of the hammam, where we'll talk about its history, rituals, meanings, and the best hammams in Turkey that we recommend.
The History: A Holy Ceremony of Purification and Togetherness
The hammam is not just a place to take a bath. It is a place where
Body and soul purification come together
People of all ages come together
People share stories, traditions, and friendships.
People celebrate important events in life, like weddings, births, and holidays.
The Turkish Hammam became a central part of daily life. It was based on Roman bath culture and grew during the Ottoman period. Both cities and villages built beautiful bathhouses with marble decorations, carved domes, and steaming rooms lit by small skylights shaped like stars.
For hundreds of years, artisans made pestemal towels on old wooden looms just for the hammam. They were light, dried quickly, and lasted a long time.
We still use the slow-production weaving methods that have been passed down to us in our workshop today.
Inside the Hammam Ritual, Step by Step
Every hammam visit follows a slow, ceremonial sequence:
1. Warming the Body (Sıcaklık)
You enter a warm marble room where the steam gently opens your pores.
This is where you wrap yourself in a soft, hand-woven pestemal.
2. Resting on the Göbek Taşı
The center of the hammam is a heated marble platform.
You lie down and allow the warmth to relax your muscles.
3. Traditional Scrub (Kese)
A hammam attendant exfoliates the skin using a natural silk or cotton kese mitt, removing toxins and dead skin, leaving the body unbelievably soft.
4. Foam Massage
A mountain of warm, soapy foam is poured over your body.
This is the most iconic and relaxing part of the ritual.
5. Cold Marble Basin Rinse
Using a copper hammam bowl (tas), water is gently poured to refresh and energize.
6. Final Relaxation
You are wrapped in fresh, dry pestemals or a hand-woven kimono, the moment the ritual becomes pure bliss.
This is the same timeless ritual that inspires our textile designs today.
The Textiles of the Hammam, Why They Matter
Traditional hammam textiles are iconic because they are:
✔ Hand-Woven
Crafted on old Anatolian looms by master weavers.
✔ Lightweight & Quick-Drying
Perfect for bath, beach, spa, sauna, and travel.
✔ Natural Cotton & Eco-Friendly
Free of chemicals, dyed using sustainable methods.
✔ Durable & Long-Lasting
Many families in Türkiye still use pestemals that are 30–40 years old.
At Derviş Natural Textile, we continue producing:
- Terry Bath Towels & Hand Towels
- Pestemal Turkish Towels
- Kimono Robes & Muslin Spa Robes
- Children’s Hammam Bathrobes
- Antique Copper Hammam Bowls (Hammam Tası)
- Exfoliating Kese Mitts
Everything is handmade, hand-woven, and ethically produced, honoring the heritage we grew up with.
Our Recommended Turkish Hammams to Experience
Here are real, iconic hammams we recommend in Türkiye, places where you can feel the authentic culture.
1. Çemberlitaş Hammam — Istanbul
Built in 1584 by Mimar Sinan, the Ottoman Empire’s greatest architect.
A stunning domed bathhouse located in the heart of the historical peninsula.
Why we recommend it:
- Pure, traditional ritual
- Beautiful architecture
- Well-trained attendants
2. Kılıç Ali Paşa Hammam — Istanbul
A masterpiece restored to perfection with marble interiors and a calm ambience.
One of Istanbul’s most refined hammam experiences.
Perfect for:
- Couples
- First-time visitors
- Luxury wellness lovers
3. Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hammam — Istanbul
Located between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
A visually breathtaking hammam with a royal feeling.
Recommended for:
- Luxury treatments
- History lovers
4. Tarihi Galatasaray Hamamı — Istanbul
A classic hammam in Beyoğlu, full of character and tradition.
Why people love it:
- Authentic ambiance
- Local crowd
- Historic and relaxed
5. Cağaloğlu Hamamı - Istanbul
Built in 1741, the last large hamam from the Ottoman era. Its grand domes, marble floors, and ornate tilework deliver a beautiful historical atmosphere; many consider it among the most beautiful and classic hammams in Istanbul.
Why people love it:
- Great location
- Nice balance of history
- Accessibility for visitors
6. Traditional Village Hammams — Anatolia
Some of the purest hammam rituals still exist in small Anatolian towns.
Steam, marble, a local masseur, hot copper bowls…
This is hammam culture in its most original form.
Hammam at Home — Your Own Ritual with Derviş Natural Textile
You don’t have to travel to Türkiye to enjoy a hammam ritual.
You can recreate the experience at home:
✔ Use a natural cotton pestemal towel
Light, soft, quick drying.
✔ Wear a muslin kimono robe or terry bathrobe
Feel like you're stepping out of a real hammam.
✔ Try a kese exfoliating mitt
Removes dead skin, improves circulation.
✔ Add a copper hammam bowl for water pouring
Just like in traditional ceremonies.
✔ Create a spa atmosphere
Warm lighting, eucalyptus steam, soft music.
This ritual transforms an ordinary bath into a moment of relaxation and luxury.
How Tourists Can Prepare for Their Hammam Visit (Easy Guide)
✔ Bring a Turkish towel (pestemal)
Lightweight, hygienic, and traditionally required.
✔ Wear a comfortable robe
Muslin & cotton robes are best.
✔ Bring an extra dry towel
Our terry towels are ideal for after-steam comfort.
✔ Consider a kese exfoliation
It’s the most important part of the hammam.
✔ Wear sandals or slippers
Some hammams provide them, but not all.
