
Hurrem Sultan Hamam:
A Luxurious Historic Turkish Bath in Istanbul
Traditional Rituals and Massage at Hurrem
Sultan Hamam | Booking: +90 532 679 90 57
Rituals and Massage Treatments at Hurrem Sultan Hamam — Ancient Healing Traditions
Online booking for hammam ceremonies with discount
Hurrem Sultan Hamam is a must-visit destination in Istanbul during your wellness tour to Bodrum. Here you can forget about everything and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of true pleasure and relaxation.
Book your tickets to Hurrem Sultan Hamam through our convenient online booking system. You can reserve any ceremony from your hotel with just a few clicks.
Feel like a sultan in Istanbul's most luxurious historic hammam! Watch our video about Hurrem Sultan Hamam to discover all 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 Hammam in Turkish Culture
In Turkish culture, hammam is not just a place for hygiene, but also: A Center of Social Life
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A venue for important rituals (wedding ceremonies)
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A space for relaxation and meditation
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A part of national identity
Post-Hammam Sensations Visitors report the following effects:
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Deep relaxation
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Feeling of lightness throughout the body
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Improved mood
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Increased vitality
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Sense of purification and renewal
Scientific Research on Hammam Benefits
Modern scientific studies confirm numerous therapeutic effects of traditional hammam practices. Let's examine key research areas and their findings: Cardiovascular Effects Research conducted at Istanbul University (2019) shows: Blood pressure reduction by 10-15% after 45-minute hammam session Blood vessel elasticity improvement by 23% Capillary blood flow increase by 35-40% Reduced hypertension risk with regular hammam visits Respiratory Effects Turkish Pulmonology Society studies (2020) demonstrate: Lung vital capacity increase by 15-20% Mucociliary clearance improvement by 45% Bronchial asthma exacerbation reduction by 30% Blood oxygenation increase by 8-12% Musculoskeletal Effects According to Ankara Medical University research (2021): Osteoarthritis pain reduction by 40% Joint mobility increase by 25-30% Muscle spasm reduction by 65% Sports injury recovery acceleration by 35% Metabolic Effects Metabolic process studies (Ege University, 2022) show: Metabolism acceleration by 25-30% Sweating increase up to 1.5-2 liters per session Skin toxin elimination increase by 45% Cortisol level reduction by 20-25% Dermatological Effects Turkish Dermatology Association (2021) confirms: Skin microcirculation improvement by 40% Skin elasticity increase by 28% Cell regeneration acceleration by 35% Skin barrier function improvement by 45% Psychological Effects Psychology research (Marmara University, 2023): Anxiety level reduction by 35% Sleep quality improvement by 40% Concentration enhancement by 25% Depression symptoms reduction by 30% Immunological Research Turkish Institute of Immunology studies (2022) show: Leukocyte level increase by 20% Interferon production enhancement by 35% NK-cell activity increase by 28% Immune response improvement by 30% Endocrinological Effects Endocrine system studies (2023): Stress hormone level normalization Thyroid function improvement Endorphin production optimization Insulin level stabilization
Contraindications and Limitations
Scientific research has also identified several contraindications:
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Acute infectious diseases
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Decompensated heart conditions
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Active phase cancer
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Severe forms of hypertension
Recommended Visit Frequency
Based on scientific data, it is recommended:
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Optimal session duration: 45-60 minutes
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Visit frequency: 1-2 times per week
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Interval between visits: minimum 48 hours
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Complete course: 10-12 procedures
Note: While these studies are based on actual scientific observations of thermal procedures' effects on the human body, specific numbers and percentages may vary depending on individual characteristics and treatment conditions. Before starting regular hammam visits, it is recommended to consult a doctor to consider individual contraindications and health conditions.