Dirt Cheap Istanbul

You have definitely heard of the Hamams, the public baths of the Muslim world. Well, than it is time to explore one! The Cemberlitas Hamam is one of the most beautiful, although it tends to get very crowded. Avoid it on the weekends and during national holidays, because they never refuse any guests, no matter how full they are. And if you are a man, don’t be afraid to visit it, you won’t be the only one – the Turkish guys love going to the Hamam!

The Cemberlitas Hamam is said to be built by the great architect Sinan himself, who created over 350 buildings in less than fifty years. This bath was finished in 1584, being constructed by order of Nurbanu Sultan, the wife of Sultan Selim II and mother of Murat III. Actually there must have been two entrances – one for the man and one for the women – but one entrance got lost and there are now stairs leading down to the second as the street level increased over the centuries.

So now there is one common entrance for male and female guests but the bathing areas are still separated. Buy your package (basic for 46 YTL = 23 Euro, which includes a massage & scrub) Get undressed in the “cold” area, wrapping your body in one of the cotton towels and pass through the “warm” area to the “hot” area, the heart of every Hamam. First off, sit next to one of the marble basins and pour warm water over your hair and body. Eventually lie down on the hot stone in the middle of the room, get a massage and feel reborn. Watch out if you are accompanied by a Turkish friend – he might give some “Bakshish” (tip) to the attendant, telling him to give you an extra firm washing and scrub… If you enjoyed your stay, you can tip, but you are not obligated to.

Why should I Go
Take a break of the vibrant city and enjoy some tranquillity in an historical, yet lately renovated bath. A Spa of the old times!

Where
Vezirhan Caddesi No. 8; Tram: Cemberlitas (T1),
www.cemberlitashamami.com.tr

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