Hamams are among the most important cultural and traditional personal hygiene rituals, primarily in Turkey, Arab countries, and Iran. In those regions, the correct spelling is “Hammām.” Broadly speaking, a hamamis a steam bath. To help you decide whether you’d like to try a hamam treatment during your next vacation in Turkey, we’ve provided some information below about what to expect.
What is a hamam, and how does it work?
At the start of the hamam experience, you’re given a red-and-white checkered towel that you can wrap around yourself or sit on. In some facilities, you’re allowed to spend a few minutes in the sauna before the session begins. Water basins are placed along the walls of the room where women or men experience the hamam, and you sit next to them. Usually, so-called “tellaks” are on hand to provide the treatment. They first pour warm water over the customer’s entire body.
In the center of the room is a large, round platform made of marble or another type of stone, on which you lie down after the “shower.” It is pleasantly warm, which opens your pores and prepares your skin for the rest of the treatment.
While you relax on this “belly stone,” you’ll be exfoliated with a special glove. This stimulates blood circulation and removes dead skin cells and flakes. Afterward, foam is applied to the skin using a kind of pad, and the Tellak washes the women or men present.
Additional Steps
If you'd like, you can get a massage after the hammam or just relax completely while having a face mask applied. Your feet and hands are also often massaged upon request.
A special treat: After my hammam treatment in Turkey, I was even offered a glass of authentic Turkish tea, which I was able to enjoy in a separate room on wooden loungers—which were, of course, padded.
Hamams are definitely worth recommending. If you’ve never tried one before, you’re probably wondering what a hamam is, since the name doesn’t really conjure up any specific image. But there’s really no need to be shy—the tellaks are extremely friendly, and the wonderful feeling afterward is indescribable.
Even hours later, my skin still feels incredibly soft. So I highly recommend that you treat yourself to a hamam and let your mind wander while you’re there.
