All about TURKISH BATH 'Hamam ' Istanbul's public baths (Hamams) are very special buildings dating back to the Ottoman period. Apart from its natural aim, Hamams played an important role in the social life during the Ottoman era. Hamams were places of attraction during such ceremonies as weddings and were a traditional place of entertainment during holidays. 
Women, neighbors and friends spent all day at the hamams filled with festivity which included singing and dancing. Although hamams have lost these social attraction status for many locals, they still are considered points of interest for visitors.
The main room consists of a raised marble platform which graces the center of the hamams and is known as the göbek tasi (navel stone). The Gobek tasi (navel stone) is positioned above the wood or coal furnace which then heats the hamam. The surface of the göbek tasi can range from warm to hot depending on person's desired temperature. The user lies on the Göbek tasi for a vigorous massage; they treatment is called keselenmek in Turkish. The masseur (Tellak in Turkish) who gives the bath uses a rough cloth glove (kese) to massage the guest providing a deep cleansing. This process cleanses the body of dead skin cells and revitalizes the body. After this treatment the tellak bathes the guest with warm water and soap.
Hamams have schedules for their male and female customers. Specifically, they can schedule certain days of the week for male and female customers.
Once the treatment is done, the Hamams provide you with towels (type of public bath towel which called pestemal in Turkish) and direct you to a private changing room. The room is furnished with either a reclining chair or comfortable bed. Soft drinks and ÇAY (the Turkish tea) are always available for guests. However, since the Ottoman time, Hamams have largely gone out of fashion. A reason for the decline in use is due in part to todays modern way of life. Meanwhile, there are a few historical Hamams that survived. If you are visiting Istanbul it is highly recommended that you partake in the unique HAMAM experience.
Located in CAGALOGLU district, on the right side of Yerebatan (Basilica cistern) Street, you will find the Cagaloglu Hamami. It was built by Sultan Mahmut the 1st in 1741 to provide revenue for the Hagia Sophia Mosque. The architect of the Hamam is unknown. The Cagaloglu Hamam has two sections, which can offer treatments to both men and women during the same day of the week. Galatasaray Hamami The Galatasaray Hamam is located in GALATASARAY at the junction of Turnacibasi and Çapanoglu streets in the BEYOGLU district of Istanbul. It was built in year 1715 as a public bath in line with the classical Turkish hamam architectural design. Çemberlitas Hamami The Cemberlitas Hamam is located on the DIVANYOLU district, near the ÇEMBERLITAS (Banded Column), which is very near to SULTANAHMET SQUARE. It was built by Sultan Murat's mother 'Nurbanu Sultan' in 1584 to provide a source of revenue for the 'Atik Valide Mosque' Complex in Uskudar/Istanbul. Çemberlitas Hamami only offers treatments to male customers. Eski Hamam This hamam also known as the SIFA HAMAMI( 'sifa' means 'cure' in Turkish) was built during the 15th century. The Hamam is located in the entrance to Dari Street in the ÜSKÜDAR district. This Hamam offers treatments to both men and women. NOTE: We hope you will have exprience with any of hamam while you visit Turkey. By the way; we appreciate contributions of picture(s) from our website audience. Please submit via email.  
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