A tellak or Turkish tellak to be more specific is a term for a male massage therapist/masseuse at a traditional Turkish hammam or bathhouse. Ottoman-era hammams were divided by gender into male and female sections, as are the modern traditional bathhouses.
Tellaks are typically male and serve only in the men’s section in traditional Turkish hammams. The female masseurs in the women’s section are called “natır” or female tellak. However, some Turkish hammams that specifically cater to tourists may occasionally have male Turkish tellak in both sections depending on the preferences of the spa guests.
The “tellak” played a key role in traditional Ottoman hammams. Their responsibilities extended from acting as hosts and guides to bath attendants and expert massage therapists. Traditional tellak were male and worked in the men’s part of the hammam. They went through many years of training under senior tellak to master the techniques of their trade. Some of them had such high-level skills that they had loyal customers who only availed their services at the bathhouse.
Unlike modern-day massage therapists, the role of Turkish hammam tellak was not limited to massage. They offered hospitality, and conversation and ensured that the etiquette and traditions of the bathhouse were maintained. To carry forward this incredible legacy, today’s tellak merges convenience, and tradition to serve hammam guests.
Turkish tellak have been around since the inception of hammams during the Ottoman times. Although their duties largely remain the same, modern amenities have evolved them to perfection.
The role of the Turkish hammam tellak has evolved according to the requirements of the modern-day concept of a hammam and the needs of the guests. The responsibilities of tellak in present-day Turkish bathhouses differ from the past in the following ways:
Turkish tellak in the Ottoman times learned from their seniors. The concept of apprenticeship was popular, where students trained under a master tellak for years before starting on their own. These days, Turkish tellak are professionally trained in the art of massage, holistic skincare, and hospitality. The role of modern-era Turkish tellak in hammam rituals includes:
The role of a tellak begins as soon as the guests enter the spa/hammam. They are gracious hosts who welcome the guests, guide them about the hammam rituals and environment, and make them feel comfortable and at ease.
Tellak also helps the guests get ready for the day ahead by assisting them in wearing the traditional peshtemal towel. They lead the guests to a warm room, where steam therapy is used to gently cleanse the skin and open pores for the skincare sessions ahead.
Kese is a signature tellak body scrubbing ritual. The hammam tellak uses a special exfoliating glove and scrubs the entire body by applying just the right amount of pressure. The skin is left cleansed, refreshed, and gently exfoliated.
Soap massage, also known as a “Köpük Masajı” is another signature massage that Turkish tellaks are known for. Soft foamy suds of fragrant soap are used as a medium to provide a relaxing and rhythmic massage for maximum cleansing.
After a soap massage, the tellak coals down the guest’s body by pouring cool water from a copper bowl, before leading them to a cooling room for rest.
If you are intrigued by the role of traditional Turkish tellak and want to experience their skill in an authentic Turkish hammam environment, you can book your session at the Hurrem Sultan Hammam in Istanbul.
