Today, hammam culture still exists. Hammams are ideal spaces for cleansing, exfoliating with a bath glove, and enjoying a massage. Just like in the past, brides and grooms visit the hammam with their close friends to celebrate and enjoy its lively, relaxing atmosphere.
Hammams, which remain an integral part of our culture, are found in every city and even in many districts. Many historic bazaars still house hammams featuring stunning and impressive architecture. This blog explores essential Turkish hammam experience tips for first-timers, such as what should you take to the hammam on your next trip to the country.
One simply can’t go to Türkiye and not experience a traditional hammam session. Here is a list of things to take to an Istanbul hammam for maximum relaxation and fun:
So what can you take to the hammam in your bag? People visiting a hammam usually prepare a small bag with the items they plan to use during their visit. If you’re visiting a hammam for the first time, it’s a good idea to bring your own bath essentials like shampoo, soap, and body lotion. Because the heat and steam open your pores deeply, skincare products are also very effective. Especially, clay masks give great results when applied in a hammam
Another important item from the list of things to take to the hammam is a loincloth. You can use the traditional hammam loincloths provided there, or choose to bring your own. It’s also perfectly fine to bring your own swimsuit and slippers for comfort.
First-time visitors to a Turkish bathhouse often wonder, What are some must-have things to consider when going to the hammam? One of the quintessential garbs of the hammam scene is the traditional Turkish “peştamal” bath towel. Many hammams provide their own peştamals for the visitors; However, you can bring your own as well to make the experience more comfortable.
Everyone asks “What can you take to the hammam?” However, the thing you should avoid taking is your jewelry and accessories. Valuable pieces can get misplaced, and exposure to steam, moisture, soap residue, and aromatherapy oils can tarnish the color and finish of some items.
Contrary to the popular notion, there is no need to go naked in a Turkish hammam if you don’t want to. This begs the question: What should you take to the Turkish bath? Most people wear a swimsuit and wrap a traditional peştamal bath towel for comfort. Flip flops or bath sandals are a must-have as well.
Visitors can enjoy a Turkish hamman session at any time of the year; However, by visiting during the early morning hours or late in the evening, one can avoid the crowds. Weekdays are also perfect for a peaceful bathhouse interlude.
The hammam session at the historic Hürrem Sultan Hammam in Istanbul begins with a traditional preparation ritual. The guests leave their personal items in the locker room at the entrance of the hammam and step into a warm room to wear their peştamal bath towels. The next destination is the steam room, where the warm air relaxes the muscles and opens the pores for the cleansing rituals ahead.
Exfoliation with a bath glove is one of the first rituals associated with hammams. A thorough scrub performed by the male or female bath attendants boosts blood circulation, helping release tension and leaving you feeling refreshed and incredibly light.
You can further relax your muscles with a massage, which is already relaxed in the hammam. You can give yourself a simple massage, but most hammams also have skilled attendants who can provide a professional and more relaxing experience. While you get rid of the dirt on your skin in the hammam, you can also take care of your hair on the other hand. You can also apply your specially prepared hair masks, making your hammam experience even more enjoyable.
The skincare applied after your scrub and bath leaves you feeling refreshed, almost as if you’ve been reborn. It helps your skin restore the moisture it needs and supports the further opening and cleansing of your pores.
After completing the scrubbing, bathing, and skincare rituals in the hammam, it’s important to take care of yourself afterward as well. In summer, stepping outside won’t be an issue since the weather is warm. But during spring or cooler seasons, you should be mindful not to catch a cold. Your body is warm and you’ve been sweating inside, making you more sensitive to temperature changes. For this reason, it’s best to choose your clothing according to the weather conditions before heading out
After the bath, one of the most important things to do is to replenish your body with liquids. Since you sweat a lot inside the hammam, your body loses both water and minerals, so it’s essential to replace them. Drinking plenty of mineral water is a great option, as it helps restore the minerals you’ve lost. Many hammams also offer mineral water or sherbet before and after the treatment to help balance your sugar levels. Enjoying an ayran afterward has even become a tradition for many people. These drinks not only enhance your hammam experience but also support your overall well-being
What do you bring to the hammam session at the opulent Hürrem Sultan Hammam in Istanbul? Just bring yourself! Your personalized kit with all the hammam essentials awaits you!
