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Top 10 hamams in Turkey ranked by Hürriyet jury
Top 10 hamams in Turkey ranked by Hürriyet jury
Hürriyet’s jury have chosen the best traditional Roman and Ottoman baths of Turkey. Click through for the full list...
1. Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam / Istanbul - Designed by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, the hamam was commissioned by Hürrem Sultan, a slave girl-turned-empress who married Suleiman the Magnificent, one of the most powerful men in history. Mimar Sinan had designed the female and male sections of the hamam symmetrical to each other. Today, there are four packages and three different massage options at the hamam. The complete package includes using the hamam, getting massages and being served beverages. The hamam is open every day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Photo: david pearson / Alamy
2. Cağaloğlu Hamam / Istanbul - The hamam was built in 1749 to help provide revenue for the Hagia Sophia, which was a mosque at the time after being converted from a church in 1453. The bath, which has a baroque design, was visited by several historical figures such as Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey, and the German Kaiser Wilhelm II. Modern day visitors included actors like Harrison Ford and Cameron Diaz. Photo: Gavin Hellier / Alamy
3. Kervansaray / Bursa - The bath is inside the Kervansaray Thermal Hotel and dates back to the Roman Empire. Built in 1389, the hamam has separate sections for men, women and families. Massages and scrubbings are not included in the general fee. It is open every day from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Photo: Images & Stories / Alamy
4. Çemberlitaş Hamamı / Istanbul - It was commissioned to Mimar Sinan by Nurbanu Sultan, the mother of the Ottoman Sultan Murat III. It is open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. Photo: Antony Souter / Alamy
5. Karacabey Hamamı / Ankara - For those who want to escape the stress of the capital city, this hamam is the ideal place to be. The traditional hamam has maintained its original state for nearly 500 years. There are several sections for men and women. There are extra fees for massages and scrubbings. It is open every day from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Photo: Ivan Taborau / Alamy
6. Süleymaniye Hamamı / Istanbul - The bath is a part of the Suleymaniye Mosque, considered a masterpiece of Mimar Sinan. In the bath, which began to serve in 1557, there is a special chamber for Suleiman the Magnificent. Today, there are several sections for men and women. Guests are recommended to make reservations for the hamam, which is open every day from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Photo: Kosmenko Dmytro / Alamy
7. Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı / Istanbul - Commissioned by the Ottoman army’s Kaptan-ı Derya (Chief Admiral) Kılıç Ali Pasha, the bath was built by Mimar Sinan. With its wide dome, sunlight beams into the hamam every day in Istanbul’s hip neighbourhood Karaköy. Scrubbing and beverages are included in the fee. It is open every day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for women and from 4.30 pm to 11.30 pm for men. Photo: Luis Emilio Villegas Amador / Alamy
8. Galatasaray Hamamı / Istanbul - If you are tired of the city’s crowd, you must visit this hamam, which is in the heart of the city. Commissioned by Sultan Beyazid II in the 1400’s, the bath was built as part of a social complex. The hamam is highly popular among tourists due to its cleanliness. It is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Photo: Martin Garnham / Alamy
9. Şengül Hamam / Ankara - Ankara can be quite cold during the winter. If you’re looking for a warm environment, this is the right address. Built in the 15th century, the historical bath has separate sections for men and women. The facial care service of the bath is exquisite. It is highly recommended to get a coffee massage as well. The bath is open every day from 5:30 a.m. until midnight.
10. Sekiz Direkli Hamam / Trabzon - Although when the hamam was built is not known, some sources say it was established by the Seljuks in the 11th century. It has the appearance of an “oba,” a traditional Turkish nomadic tent. The harmony of the wood and the marble offers an authentic view. It is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
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