The Origins of Turkish Baths: A Historical Journey
Turkish baths, or hamams, are an iconic part of Turkish and Islamic culture, renowned for their cleansing rituals and architectural beauty. But how did these baths first come about? Their history is deeply intertwined with the cultural and religious practices of the ancient civilizations that once ruled the region.
Early roots: Roman and Byzantine influence
The concept of public bathing in large, elaborate bathhouses has its roots in ancient Roman and Byzantine traditions. The Romans, in particular, were known for their public baths, known as thermae, which were both social and hygienic spaces. These bathhouses featured hot and cold rooms, steam rooms, and areas for relaxation, and they were a fundamental part of daily life for Roman citizens.
When the Roman Empire split and the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) emerged, these bathing traditions continued. Byzantine baths were similar in style to Roman ones, and when the Turks began to expand into the territories previously controlled by the Byzantines, they encountered this long-standing tradition of public bathing.
The rise of the hamam in the Ottoman Empire
Turkish baths as we know them today came into prominence during the rise of the Ottoman Empire (14th–20th centuries). The Ottomans adopted and adapted the Byzantine bath system, incorporating their own cultural and religious practices, which placed a strong emphasis on cleanliness. In Islam, cleanliness is considered an important part of faith, with ablution (ritual washing) required before prayers. As a result, the hamam became not only a place for bathing but also for spiritual purification.
The first Turkish baths were often built in conjunction with mosques and religious complexes, reflecting their role in both hygiene and worship. Over time, they evolved into important social spaces where people could meet, relax, and engage in rituals associated with health and wellness.
When was the first Turkish bath built?
The exact date of the first Turkish bath is not clear, but some of the earliest known hamams date back to the early Ottoman period in the 14th century. One of the oldest surviving baths is the Bursa Eski Kaplıca Hamamı, built around 1394 during the reign of Sultan Bayezid I. This bath was constructed near thermal springs in the city of Bursa, which was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire before Istanbul.
As the Ottoman Empire expanded, more baths were built, with the construction of hamams reaching its height in the 16th century under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. During this period, the famed architect Mimar Sinan designed several of the most famous Turkish baths, including the Süleymaniye Hamamı and Çemberlitaş Hamamı in Istanbul. These baths not only served the community but also showcased the grandeur of Ottoman architecture.
The design and structure of early Turkish baths
The typical Turkish bath, influenced by Roman and Byzantine designs, consisted of three main sections:
The Sıcaklık (Hot room): The core of the bath where the steam and heat were concentrated. Bathers would sit here to sweat and relax on a heated marble platform known as the göbektaşı (navel stone).
The Ilık or Tepidarium (Warm room): This intermediate space was used for washing and scrubbing the skin, often with the help of an attendant using a special rough mitt called a kese.
The Soğukluk (Cool room): The final stage, where bathers would relax, cool down, and sometimes enjoy massages or refreshments after the cleansing rituals.
This structure is still seen in many historical Turkish baths today.
The cultural and social importance of hamams
Over time, hamams became more than just places for hygiene. They served as important social spaces, particularly for women, who would gather at the bathhouses for hours at a time. Women’s days at the hamam were often lively social events, with the baths functioning as places for gossip, celebrations, and even matchmaking.
Men also frequented hamams for business meetings or simply to relax, but the experience was more segmented by gender, with separate sections or days for men and women. Bridal baths (celebrations for brides-to-be) became a cherished tradition, further cementing the hamam’s role in community life.
The legacy of Turkish baths
The first Turkish baths emerged out of a blend of Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic influences, and quickly became central to Ottoman life. They have survived centuries of history, and today, many of the original hamams are still operational, offering a window into the past. From the first baths built in Bursa to the magnificent examples in Istanbul, Turkish baths remain a cherished cultural institution, celebrated for their unique blend of social, spiritual, and physical well-being.
These baths not only showcase architectural brilliance but also provide a cultural experience that continues to attract people from around the world, seeking both relaxation and a deeper connection to history.
