Valide Sultan (mother Sultan)- Nakşidil Sultan
Nakşidil Sultan, a name that resonates through the corridors of Ottoman history, was more than just a consort. Born around 1761 in Georgia, she would become the Valide Sultan (the mother of Sultan Mahmud II ) and leave an indelible mark on the empire.
Her origins are shrouded in mystery. Some scholars trace her lineage to the Caucasus region, while others assert she was Georgian. Regardless, Nakşidil was raised within the opulent walls of the Ottoman palace, receiving a thorough education in Turkish Islamic traditions.
Yet, the legends surrounding her add intrigue to her story. One such tale suggests that Nakşidil was Aimée du Buc de Rivéry, a distant cousin-in-law of Empress Josephine, wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. According to this fanciful myth, Aimée vanished at sea in 1788, only to be captured by Barbary pirates and sold into the Ottoman harem. However, historians have since debunked this romantic notion.
The Aimée-Nakşidil connection mirrors older myths that wove intricate ties between the French and Ottoman monarchies. These tales served political purposes, justifying alliances between the two realms. Yet, the truth lies beyond these fabrications. Nakşidil Sultan’s legacy transcends legend, leaving us with a woman whose life was embroidered on the heart of an empire.
In the hallowed halls of the Topkapı Palace, Nakşidil’s memory endures, a testament to the complex interplay of history, identity, and the enigmatic allure of the Ottoman court.
Here is the story of this mysterious mother sultan and how it intersects with Çukurcuma Hammam: After water was given to Beyoğlu as a charity of Nakşidil Valide Sultan in the 1830s, many baths were opened in Çukurcuma. The most famous of these baths is the Çukurcuma Bath, then known as Süreyya Bath. The hot tub, navel stone, and private parts of the bath, covered by a large dome, are very bright and spacious and still reflect the magnificence of its period.
At the Hamam today, the services are mainly provided by female workers, and the establishment's owner is also a woman. Unlike most traditional Turkish hammams, this hammam allows mixed use, which aligns with the progressive thinking of the Mahmud II era. Moreover, you can experience the "Valide Sultan" bath package, which includes a ritual dedicated to the Nakşidil Sultan, immersing yourself fully in that historical period.
Nakşidil Sultan's legacy transcends legend, leaving us with a woman whose life was embroidered on the heart of an empire. Her story intersects with the history of the Çukurcuma Hammam, which is a testament to the complex interplay of history, identity, and the enigmatic allure of the Ottoman court.