The tradition of Hamam culture has been central to the social, cultural, and health aspects of various societies across a wide geographical and historical scope, from the Ancient Romans to the Ottoman Empire. The baths are more than just places for cleansing; they also serve as vital spaces for social interaction, leisure, and even for conducting political and business affairs.
People not only cleanse themselves physically but also engage in socializing at the bathhouse. Through activities such as exfoliation and sweating, individuals eliminate toxins from their bodies and find relaxation. Hammam culture originated with the migration of Turks from Central Asia to Anatolia, and the Turks adopted the Arabic word "hamam," which means "to warm up." The bath is not simply a cleansing space but holds significance within history, culture, and human relations.
The practice of bathing has a long history dating back thousands of years. Ancient Romans used baths for both cleansing and social interaction. These baths were grand structures with hot water baths, cold water pools, and sweating chambers. During the Middle Ages, baths were important in Islamic civilization and the Ottoman Empire. Both Muslims and non-Muslims used Ottoman baths for worship, health, and socializing, in addition to cleaning themselves. Ottoman baths were typically located within mosques or palace complexes and offered traditional services like scrubbing, foam massages, and relaxation areas. They also served as places that brought together people from different social classes and cultures. Ottoman baths were usually designed with a symmetrical and geometric layout, consisting of four main sections.
1. **Entrance Hall (Dressing Room)**: This area was located at the entrance of the bath and was used for dressing purposes.
2. **Temperature Section (Hot Room)**: Hot water baths were taken in this section. It generally had a domed structure.
3. **Warm Room (Intermediate Hall)**: This area was used for sweating and resting purposes. In this section, there was water with more moderate temperatures.
4. **Cold Section (Cool Room)**: It contained cold water pools and recreation areas.
Each section had a specific purpose and design, and bore the characteristic features of Ottoman architecture.
At Çukurcuma Hammam, we have reinterpreted the ancient bath tradition to align with modern standards. We offer innovative service packages, which you can access from the link below.