There are many beautiful and historical hamams in Istanbul, and it is very difficult to make a decision between them. But we tried to make a list for you and chose the top 7 hamams of Istanbul. Here is our list:
Cağaloğlu Hamamı
Cağaloğlu Hamamı is located in Sultanahmet near Hagia Sophia and the Yerebatan Sarnıcı. It’s always first choice for the visitors but his popularity is not only coming from its central location. It’s on the list of New York Times’ “1900 Places to See Before You Die” and possible to see it in famous movies such as Indiana Jones.
Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı
Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı is a great example of classical Ottoman bath. It was active bath until 1910 when it was closed for decades. It was used to house the convicts during times when the nearby Sultanahmet Prison was full. Then it became a storage place for paper and oil. It was restored for the first time in 1957 and then it started to house a carpet store till 2007. It has returned its original usage after it experienced a major restoration. Although it was built as classical Ottoman bath, the sections for men and women constructed on the same axis as mirror images of each other.
Çemberlitaş Hamamı
Çemberlitaş Hamamı is located next to Çemberlitaş Column which is known as oldest structure of the city. Çemberlitaş Hamamı was established by Nurbanu Valide Sultan, wife of Selim II and mother of Sultan Murad III, in order to generate income to support Valide-i Atik Charity Complex. The construction date was 1584 and its designer was architect Sinan who was greatest architect of all. It is also called the Rose Turkish Bath.
Galatasaray Hamamı
According to a rumours, Sultan Bayezid II was having a walk in the forest after he had hunting party. Bayezid sees a little cabin in the middle of beautiful garden. He wanted to meet with Gül Baba (Father of Roses) who was famous dervish and poet at that time and owner of the beautiful garden. Sultan Bayezid II asked him, if he had any wishes. Gül Baba requested a külliye which is a complex of communal facilities surrounding a mosque to be build. His wish was accepted and the külliye was built in 1481. The tomb of Gül Baba still resides in the gardens of Galatasaray Lycee. Galatasaray Hamamı was used by only the students of Galatasaray at the beginning, and when the palace lost its education feature, it started to serve to public in 1834.
Süleymaniye Hamamı
Süleymaniye Hamamı is one of most popular Turkish Bath of the city. It was built part of Süleymaniye complex which consists of Süleymaniye Mosque, madrasah, hospital, lunatic asylum, infirmary tombs, market and primary school. Süleymaniye Hamamı incorporate the art and genius of architect Sinan same like other parts of complex.
Acemoğlu Hamamı
Acemoğlu means conscripted boys who are brought up for the janissaries. The bath was built as a part of military post where those conscripted boys study to be a janissary. Its original name was Acemi Oğlanlar. Acemoğlu Hamamı is known as one of the oldest bath of the city.
Çinili Hamam
Çinili Hamam was built in 1640 as a part of complex which has also a mosque, library and police office. The complex was built by order of Mahpeyker Kösem Sultan who was the wife of Sultan Ahmed I. Kösem Sultan gained unprecedented influence in political decision-making which made her most powerful woman during 17th century. Çinili Hamam is very embossed and modest one. It is still works as a Turkish Bath where you can feel the Turkish Bath traditions. Although the original tiles in the bath had been stolen, the owners sticked to its original concept and they used blue tiles while they were restorating the bath.