Trayle

With 8 girlfriends I visit the Cemberlitas Hamam in Istanbul to enjoy the traditional style of Turkisch Bath.

The Cemberlitas Bath is a still-functioning historical public bath that was built in 1584. It was commissioned by the foundation of Nurb�¢nu Sultan, the wife of Sultan Selim II and the mother of Sultan Murat III. The bath is one of the most important works of 16th century Ottoman architecture and was built according to a plan drawn/up by the legendary Turkisch architect, Mimar Sinan.

The Cemberlitas is open from early morning (6 AM) to midnight throughout the year. This is a two/chambered bath, with separate, but identical, bathing sections for men and women. Each of the separate sections is also further divided into different functional areas. The first is the dressing room-locker area. After undressing, you can store your clothes and valuables in your own locker. You then wrap your body in a the large Ã?´pestemalÃ?´, a traditional towel that is provided to you, before walking to the hot bathing area. The hot area contains a large heated marble platform that you may sit or lie on to help your body begin to perspire. 

After 20 minutes a Turkisch lady or men (depending on which section you are) starts to wash your entirely body and gives you an skin rubbing. After the heavy skin rubbing, you will be massaged, if you so desire. The usual bath session lasts about an hour or an hour and a half, but there are no time limits and after you receive your massage you are free to rest on the platform for as long as you like before completing your bath.

We all enjoyed this Turkisch Bath! We never felt so clean and smoothly before.

So when your are visiting Istanbul, go to the historical Turkish bath and enjoyed it all the way.

The Cemberlitas Hamam is easily to find. It is situated in the centre of Istanbul, nearby the famous Grand Bazaar.