Hammam Guide

Sokullu Hamamı, Edirne; 30 TL for the full works; Men’s morning-10AM, Womans’ 10AM-5PM.

Sokullu Hamamı in Edirne is one of Turkey’s largest, and built by master hamamcı Mimar Sinan.  The entrance sports a double-height, triple-vaulted portico with once-ornate columns.  This directly refences the Üç Şerefeli Camii (three-vaulted mosque), a major architectural landmark in Edirne.  (Sokullu Hamamı is sometimes referre to as the “Üç Şerefeli Hamamı”)  Walking in, one might call the entrance a fitting welcome to the central hamam of the Ottoman Empire’s pre-Istanbul capital. The interior and seemingly obsequious keseci inside likewise uphold the pedigree this hamam’s history commands.

Prelude:  I went to Sokullu Hamamı immediately after attending Kirkpinar, which means watching hours of (continue reading…)

Çemberlitaş Hamam. Men’s and Women’s separate.

Address: Vezirhan Caddesi 8, Çemberlitaş (exit at Çemberlitaş tramvay stop)

Hours: morning to night, but strangely hard to find on the internet.  eh.

Prices: Bath 35TL, Massage-Kese 55TL, Massage-Kese-Oil-Hot Stones 95TL

Bevvies not included.  http://www.cemberlitashamami.com.tr/hamam_english.htm

Except for the price, Çemberlitaş has everything I want in a tourist hamam.  It’s old, built in 1584 by Mimar Sinan; restored, evidenced by the all-wood salon and clean, bright sıcaklık; and fully capable of handling a full range of hamam-goers, from Amish grandmother to seasoned veteran (yours truly, ahem).  That range of experiences makes up the meat of this post.  First, a bit about the hamam’s SOP:

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This is a list from Wikipedia of Mimar Sinan’s Hamams.

For a clue to the greatest of all Ottoman architects, read this.

Hamamlar (click below to see all 48)

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