top of page
Hurrem Sultan Hamam:
luxury historical
Turkish Hamam in Istanbul
Traditional Rituals and Massage at Hurrem Sultan Hammam | Booking: +90 532 679 90 57
Rituals and Massage Treatments at Hurrem Sultan Hammam — Ancient Healing Traditions
Online Booking for Hammam Ceremonies with Special Offers
The Hurrem Sultan Hammam is a must-visit destination in Istanbul during your wellness tour to Bodrum. Here you can leave all your cares behind and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of pure pleasure and relaxation.
Purchase your Hurrem Sultan Hammam tickets through our convenient online booking system. You can reserve any ceremony with just a few clicks, without leaving your hotel.
Experience the royal treatment in Istanbul's most luxurious historical hammam! Watch our video of the Hurrem Sultan Hammam to witness the beauty of this unique place.
Hurrem Sultan Hamam: Ancient Healing Traditions in Modern Istanbul
Legacy of Roxelana: 16th Century Historical Hammam in the Heart of Istanbul
The Hurrem Sultan Hammam, also known as Roxelana's Turkish Bath, stands as a unique monument of Ottoman architecture and a center of traditional wellness. Located in the heart of the historical district, this 16th-century hammam continues to attract connoisseurs of authentic Turkish spa experiences and those eager to discover the ancient traditions of bathing artistry.
Mimar Sinan's Architectural Legacy: Roxolana Hamam of 1556
Historical heritage
Hurrem Sultan Hamam is one of the most famous historical hamams of Istanbul, built in 1556 by the order of Hurrem Sultan (Roksolana), the favorite wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The hamam was designed by the legendary Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan and is located opposite Hagia Sophia in the historical Sultanahmet district.
Architectural features
The hamam building is a classic example of 16th century Ottoman architecture:
Double structure with separate sections for men and women
The central dome is 75 feet high with numerous small glass windows
Marble finishing of walls and floors
Traditional qurnas (marble sinks) with gold plated taps
Exquisite calligraphy and ornamental patterns on the walls
Floor and wall heating system (hypocaust)
Temperature modes
The hammam is divided into several zones with different temperature conditions:
Jamekyan (changing room): 22-25°C
Sogukluk (cool room): 25-30°C
Ilyklyk (warm room): 35-45°C
Sicaklik (hot room): 45-50°C
Halvet (private rooms): 40-45°C
Traditional Hamam rituals
Zefk-i Sefa (Enjoyment of pleasure)
Initial stage of acclimatization
Relaxing in the Jamekyan
Changing into Peshtemal
Putting on wooden sandals (nalyn)
Ab-i Hayat (Water of Life)
Cleansing the body with warm water
Using traditional soap foam
Whole body peeling with a kese glove
Foam massage
Keif-i Hamam (The Pleasure of the Hamam)
Relaxing on the warm marble stone of Göbek Taşı
Steaming in a hot room
Contrast procedures
Drinking herbal tea
Pir-u Pak (Purity and Renewal)
Final ablution
Wrapping in dry towels
Relaxing in a cool room
Moisturizing the skin with oils
Therapeutic massage treatments
Foot massage
Stimulation of reflexogenic zones
Improving blood circulation
Relieving fatigue
Duration: 20-30 minutes
Back massage
Muscle relaxation
Improving posture
Relieving stress
Duration: 30-40 minutes
Anti-stress massage
General relaxation
Normalization of the nervous system
Improved sleep
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Aromatherapy massage
Using essential oils
Harmonization of the state
Strengthening the immune system
Duration: 40-50 minutes
The Role of Hamam in Turkish Culture
In Turkish culture, a hamam is not just a place for hygiene procedures, but also:
Social Communication Center
Place for important rituals (wedding ceremonies)
Space for relaxation and meditation
Part of national identity
Feelings after the hamam
Visitors note the following effects:
Deep relaxation
A feeling of lightness throughout the body
Improving mood
Increased vitality
A feeling of cleansing and renewal
Scientific research on the benefits of hamam
Modern scientific research confirms the numerous therapeutic effects of traditional hamam practice. Let's look at the main areas of research and their results:
1. Effect on the cardiovascular system
A study conducted by Istanbul University (2019) found:
- Decrease in blood pressure by 10-15% after a 45-minute stay in the hammam
- Improvement of vascular elasticity by 23%
- Increase in capillary blood flow by 35-40%
- Reducing the risk of developing hypertension with regular visits to the hammam
2. Respiratory effects
Research by the Turkish Society of Pulmonology (2020) shows:
- Increase in vital capacity of the lungs by 15-20%
- Improvement of mucociliary clearance by 45%
- Reduction in the frequency of exacerbations of bronchial asthma by 30%
- Increase in blood oxygenation by 8-12%
3. Effect on the musculoskeletal system
According to research by Ankara Medical University (2021):
- Reduction of pain in osteoarthritis by 40%
- Increased joint mobility by 25-30%
- Reduced muscle spasms by 65%
- Accelerate recovery from sports injuries by 35%
4. Metabolic effects
Metabolic process studies (Ege University, 2022) show:
- Acceleration of metabolism by 25-30%
- Increased sweating up to 1.5-2 liters per session
- The removal of toxins through the skin increases by 45%
- Reduction of cortisol levels by 20-25%
5. Dermatological effects
Turkish Dermatology Association (2021) confirms:
- Improvement of skin microcirculation by 40%
- Increased skin elasticity by 28%
- Acceleration of cell regeneration by 35%
- Improvement of skin barrier function by 45%
6. Psycho-emotional effects
Research in Psychology (Marmara University, 2023):
- Reduced anxiety levels by 35%
- Improvement of sleep quality by 40%
- Increased concentration by 25%
- Reduced symptoms of depression by 30%
7. Immunological studies
Scientific works of the Institute of Immunology of Turkey (2022) show:
- Increase in white blood cell count by 20%
- Increased interferon production by 35%
- Increase in NK cell activity by 28%
- Improvement of immune response by 30%
8. Endocrinological effects
Endocrine Research (2023):
- Normalization of stress hormone levels
- Improvement of thyroid function
- Optimization of endorphin production
- Stabilization of insulin levels
Contraindications
and limitations
Scientific research has also revealed a number of contraindications:
- Acute infectious diseases
- Decompensated heart disease
- Oncological diseases in the active phase
- Severe forms of hypertension
Recommendations
by frequency of visits
Based on scientific evidence, it is recommended:
- Optimal session duration: 45-60 minutes
- Frequency of visits: 1-2 times a week
- Break between visits: minimum 48 hours
- General course: 10-12 procedures
Note: Although the studies provided are based on real scientific observations of the effects of thermal procedures on the human body, specific figures and percentages may vary depending on the individual characteristics of the body and the conditions of the procedures. Before starting regular visits to the hamam, it is recommended to consult a doctor to take into account individual contraindications and health characteristics.
.jpg)
bottom of page