May 20,2024
Today I headed of to Cagaloglu Hammam, a historical site nestled in the heart of Istanbul’s Old City to experience a Turkish Bath. Dating back to the 18th century, it offers a unique glimpse into the luxurious world of Ottoman-era bathing culture. The Turkish Baths were a social event for the ladies they would gather weekly for a bath then relax after over tea.
I had read about the Turkish Bath process so I thought that I understood what was about to happen, OK it was a bit beyond my expectations.
I was taken into the changing room and provided with a thin towel and a paper thong!! Let the fun begin. After changing and wrapping the towel around me the journey began in the warm room (like a sauna). The marble tiles were so warm and wonderful that all the ache from walking so much quickly disappeared. Awesome so far!!!
After 15 minutes in the warm room my therapist entered the room dressed in a black one piece swimsuit and a linen sarong. Let the fun begin.
She took me into the room where there was a large marble platform in the middle and a grand dome adorned with star-shaped openings. She lead me over to a large water basin and quickly took off my towel. As I stood there in my paper thong, she used a large bowl to start pouring water over me. The first bowl of water surprised me and I did not get my mouth closed quick enough so I was quickly spewing water….lol!!!
Next, she guided me to the central marble platform known as the ‘gobektasi’, where the warmth of the marble felt so good!! Then the scrubbing began first with a sisal glove then with bubbles. It was incredible. As I looked up at the dome’s star openings I imaged being a lady in the 1500’s experiencing this!!! Between phases I was bathed with warm water poured over me. Soon I was covered in lots and lots of bubbles as she massaged every muscle and by the time she told me to sit up I felt like an overdone noodle.
Then she had me sit by the basin while she shampooed my hair and massaged my face and then dumped water to rinse..more sputtering!!!!
She wrapped me in a towel then lead me to the outer room where I was served traditional Turkish tea while i reflected on the blissful experience!!
I am incredibly self conscience about being naked in front of anyone and that I was able to do this with 5 other people in the room really pushed my boundaries but I would do it again any chance I get!!! My skin is so soft and it was the best massage of my life.
Feeling incredible I headed to the Grand Bazaar to purchase my rug!! Yes, I knew if I didn’t i would totally regret it.
Heading off to board Queen Victoria for the next phase of this adventure!!
Note some of the pictures are stock photo’s from their website since I did not have my phone with me while being bathed.
Were you really self confident, or were you self conscious as you were naked? I’m guessing the latter, lol.
So glad it was such an outstanding experience!
Mary, this one I would do in a heartbeat! So jealous of you.
Pamela D
Wow! Now I have to go back to Turkey. How did I miss this experience? It sounds like Heaven.