Thu Nov 14 04:44:44 UTC 2024: ## Istanbul’s Hammams Revive Ancient Bathing Ritual

**ISTANBUL, TURKEY -** Once a central part of Ottoman society, hammams, or Turkish baths, are experiencing a revival in Istanbul. These historic bathhouses, which fell into disuse with the advent of running water, are being restored to their former glory, bringing back an ancient ritual bathing tradition.

The recent reopening of the 500-year-old Zeyrek Cinili Hammam, built by renowned architect Sinan, after a 13-year restoration, highlights this trend. The hammam now includes a museum showcasing its history and the Ottoman bathing ritual.

Archaeological discoveries during the restoration revealed the hammam’s original grandeur, including 3,000 missing tiles that solved the mystery of its “Cinili” (tiled) name. The museum also exhibits wooden slippers worn by women in the baths, showcasing the rich history of these spaces.

Beyond their aesthetic beauty, hammams were integral to Ottoman life, serving as a place for socialising, cleansing, and even celebrating life events like births and weddings.

“Baths were used not only for cleansing the body but for socialising, relaxing, healing, and even celebrating important life events,” explained archaeologist Gurol Tali. He pointed out that hammams were essential before running water became commonplace in homes, as evidenced by census figures from 1638 showing 14,536 public and private baths in Istanbul alone.

While many tourists now visit hammams for a relaxing experience, locals like Zafer Akgul continue to visit for traditional reasons. “You come here to get clean and leave handsome,” he said, highlighting the desire to keep this tradition alive.

Restoring and revitalizing these historic baths offers a unique opportunity to preserve cultural heritage and share it with future generations. “Restoring historical baths in Istanbul and putting them to use may be the most effective way to transfer cultural heritage to future generations,” said Tali.

This resurgence of hammams in Istanbul serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional practices and a reminder of the importance of preserving historical treasures for generations to come.

Read More