Hi Lemon Lady!

Partly because you spoke so highly of them, I decided I wanted to go to one of the baths (the desire was there, you just cemented it). I chose Cemberlitas after a visit to Topkapi Palace because of the historical tie to Nur-u-banu, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I wish we had something like this in the states. It was truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and will definitely be a custom any time I return to Istanbul.

Thanks Lemon Lady,

I am always looking for Good Hammans,

I will check this one out in Istanbul next time I am there.

There is a good one on the Asian Side in Fenerbache as well but I couldn't tell you where.

I've been to Hammans in Tunisia also, where you are required to bring yuor own soap, shampoo, body wash, rinsing cup and hamman scrub cloth. I take it none of that is required in Istanbul?

Hi Everyone and Solosailor. I am so glad you liked this post, I had a lot of fun writing it. I just got back from my favorite city and went to the Hammam once again during my short stay. You can bring along soap, shampoo, body lotion, etc if you wish, some people prefer their usual brand but I usually use the ones provided by the Hammam. I hadn't heard about the Hammam you mentioned but maybe I will check it out on my next trip. Happy Weekend, LemonLady

I was in in Instanbul in late May with my boyfriends family (7 of us all together) and one thing on my "to do" list was to visit a Hammam. We had researched one that was co-ed (there are not a lot) but I believe it was the ... Suleymaniye Hammam ... located very close to the Grand Bazaar as well.

My mother-in-law was very spectical of us going and worried about our safety but once we started talking about it and met a couple on a tour that had been there, she started to soften. As well, her friend also wanted to go and my brother-in-law was in too. The great thing about this hamman is they pick you and drop you off, which was a HUGE bonus since we were staying in Taksim and it was included in the price of $40 Euros.

So the 5 of us (3 ladies/2 men) trekked off for our 430pm Hamman experience. Each group got their own little cabana to change in. They provided a wrap around top and shorts (red plaid) and the wooden shoes.

You all go into the cavernous steamy room (it is part of an old mosque) where you lay on a huge slab of hot marble right in the centre ... it is so relaxing, with soft music (we also heard the call to Alla, which was magical), my mother-in-law was so relaxed she fell asleep! After that several massuers (all men) come out and you are broken up into groups into several little rooms off to the side of centre with 2 sinks with warm running water. There the massuer scrubs you down with a loofah mit (me, then my boyfriend), I layed on a small marble table where I got soaped down and massaged (it was great!) and splashed off, then my boyfriend had his turn, he then shampoos your hair and splashes you down with cool water.

The massuer leads you to your own private room where you take off your wet top/shorts and are given 3 more towels to wrap yourself in, one for your head too, then he leads you into another room with comfy sofas where you meet up with everyone and are offered non-alcoholic beverages (cost extra) and of course we all had the wonderful apple tea and talked about our hamman expereince! Needles to say, my mother-in-law was so delighted that she went ...

The whole experience took about 1 1/2 hours ... our driver then took us back to our hotel ...Not to be missed!

Hi Loreen: what a great post! It perfectly describes the whole Hammam experience. I am glad that the people who felt uncomfortable at first relaxed to the point of sleep! How wonderful to relax that much. Yes, the Sulimaniye Hammam is mixed, good info for all of those who want to go with a partner. I like to go solo as I get to think my own thoughts. Some of my best ideas have come during a trip to the Hammam. Happy Day, LemonLady

I found that reading a chapter in a book published last year, Tales from The Expat Harem: Foreigh Women in Modern Turkey (edited by Anastasia Ashman and Jennifer Gokmen) , proved very helpful in understanding the ritual of the bath. Chapter 3 is entitled, Hamam. I hope you can read the entire book which is truly eye opening and fascinating. I have been to a few traditional hamams but I visit a hotel spa these days as my favorite hamam practitoner works at the SwissOtel.

Swissôtel Istanbul, The Bosphorus

Wellness Center

Bayildim C. No:2 Macka 34357

Besiktas Istanbul

Phone: +90 212 326 1100

Telefax: +90 212 326 1122

E-mail: istanbul.wellnesscenter@swissotel.com

Hey LL,

I love you and your posts, but am hoping you can clear up a bit of confusion on this one:

I visited Cemberlitas Hamam back in April 2004, and recall that it's closer to the Grand Bazaar than Cagalolu, which is further northeast, almost to Sirkeci. Cemberlitas is just off Divan Yolu, in Beyazit, within sight of the Grand Bazaar. Am I right? I ask ONLY because I'm planning to visit Cagalolu this time around, and want to make sure that my expectations concur with your review.

Thanks!

Hi: If you walk to end of the block where the mens entrance is and make a left you will come to a big street, make a right and walk one block and you will arrive at the pedestrian free street leading up the Grand Bazaar. So it's not exactly across one street but not very far. My husband loves the treatment on the men's side of the Cagaloglu Hammam. Have a great time LemonLady

Thanks, LL! After checking in at Empress Zoe, I'll be running up the street to Cagaloglu. I'm thinking that, as you mention, it will be great relief from jet lag.

Cheers,

Dennis

Dear Dennis: I always take a Hammam immediately after I arrive in Istanbul. It's great for jet lag and prepares me for shopping, mind and body in perfect harmony for the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazzar. Have fun, LemonLady