Hammam Experience

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Turkish hammam treatments  are very much in demand in day, resort and hotel spas today, a unique concept incorporating traditional detoxification and purification programmes with massage. The Turkish word hamam derives from the Arabic word hammam, which means ‘to be hot’. The Turkish bath is the Middle Eastern version of a steam bath and a relative of the sauna. 

The tradition extends back to the time when the Turks arrived in Anatolia, bringing the bathing tradition with them. They were confronted with Romans and Byzantines and traditions merged, comprising the Muslim concern with cleanliness, giving way to the new concept of a Turkish hammam.  

During the Ottoman Empire, hammams were created in almost every city and played an important role in social life, a place where people of every rank could come freely. They were a hub for gatherings, including traditional ceremonies, weddings, holidays, celebrating newborns and pampering trips for the ladies. 

A typical hammam consists of three interconnected rooms similar to Roman Baths. The soğukluk (frigidarium) is an area  to dress, relax, have a refreshing drink or  nap in private cubicles after a massage. The iliklik warm room (tepidarium) is the intermediate room where visitors can adjust to  the heat. 

The sıcaklık (or hararet – caldarium) is the hot room where the washing takes place. It usually has a large dome decorated with small glass windows, containing a large marble stone in the centre where  guests lie, and niches with fountains in the corners. This room is for steam and scrub massages, leading to smaller cubicles which are higher in temperature called ‘halvet’ and allow the bather more privacy. 

What happens in a hammam ritual?    

The masseur (Tellak in Turkish) leads you to the soğukluk first. Next, wearing only a peştemal (a large towel fringed at both ends) and nalıns (clogs), you pass through a wooden door towards the main sıcaklık. This consists of a raised marble platform in the centre of the hammam called göbek tasi (navel stone), which you lie on to enjoy a vigorous massage. 

The masseur pours hot water over you and begins to scrub using a rough cloth glove (kese) until all dead skin is removed. Afterwards, you are lathered with special soap and given the choice of a full-body massage, which can be painful but well worth it. The massage begins at the neck and works through the entire length of the spine to your feet which is wonderfully relaxing. You roll over and the masseur washes you from head to toe, as if you are a small child, before being wrapped in fresh towels and brought to the soğukluk to rest, dry off, enjoy tea and refreshments while socialising with other guests. 

The Turkish hammam is one of life’s great experiences and is believed to offer spiritual, holistic, physical and mental benefits. According to ancient Islamic texts, hammams promote fertility, purity and cleanliness. 

Leading facilities with heritage 

Promet, an Istanbul-based company, showcases Turkish cultural heritage by highlighting the importance of hammams in global spa and wellness concepts. They bring a fresh, innovative approach to the planning and construction of hydrothermal areas. With a focus on quality and 25 years of experience in the sector, Turkish hammams are now integrated with contemporary designs while preserving the culture. Promet constructed unique Turkish 

hammams featuring an array of concepts and designs in prestigious hotels including Mandarin Oriental Bodrum, Raffles Istanbul, Jumeirah Baku, Fairmont Baku, Hilton Baku, Sheraton Adana, Les Ottomans Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa Istanbul, Marriott Istanbul, Radisson Blue Tuzla and Wyndham Istanbul Kalamis Marina.

http://www.promet.com.tr

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