I will be in Istanbul on Monday April 25th as a cruise passenger, and I am looking for a recommendation for very traditional Men's only Turkish Bath where the bathers undress completely. I am allowing about three hours so I can get a long body scrub, a traditional Turkish shave and all of the other traditional services in a historical setting all at a very leisurely pace. If you would happen to know what I should plan on spending would also be very helpful. Thank you very much,
Posted by
Seattle, USA
990 posts
I don't know of any Turkish hamams where the bathers undress completely. Bathers wear a pestemal, a towel-like garment worn tied around the waist, which you don't take off. I understand some guys wear their underwear under the pestemal, others don't, but you always keep the pestemal on. There are a number of famous, architecturally striking hamams in Istanbul that cater to tourists. I'm blanking on names at the minute, but a google search will probably bring them up. You should check on what hours they are open to men to make sure that the one you want will be able to serve you on the day in question. Some hamams have both male and female facilities open every day, but others may alternate days of the week to serve men and women. All hamams services are provided in single sex areas, though. I recommend getting a finishing oil rubdown when you have your hamam experience. I would give anything if those rubdowns were available in Seattle!!
Posted by
Dallas
1022 posts
Check out Cagaloglu Hamam which is located near St. Sophia. It's been ages since I went, but I remember the experience well. Not completely nude which I wouldn't expect in the Moslem world. Here's a helpful site http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Middle_East/Turkey/Istanbul_Ili/Istanbul-1837624/Off_the_Beaten_Path-Istanbul-hammam-BR-1.html