Turkish bath

Turkish bath or hammam is a type of public bathing associated with the culture of the Ottoman Empire, and more widely the Islamic world. A variation on it as a method of cleansing and relaxation became popular during the Victorian era, and then spread through the British Empire and Western Europe. The buildings are similar to the Roman thermae. Unlike Russian saunas (banya), which use steam, Turkish baths focus on water.

History

The tradition of the Turkish bath was born generations ago, adopted from Romans and Byzantines and then perfected by the Seljuk and Ottoman Turks and has continued even until today.

Description

In Western Europe, the Turkish bath as a method of cleansing and relaxation became popular during the Victorian era. The process involved in taking a Turkish bath is similar to that of a sauna, but is more closely related to ancient Greek and ancient Roman bathing practices.

Procedure

A person taking a Turkish bath first relaxes in a room (known as the warm room) that is heated by a continuous flow of hot, dry air, allowing the bather to perspire freely. Bathers may then move to an even hotter room (known as the hot room) before they wash in cold water. After performing a full body wash and receiving a massage, bathers finally retire to the cooling-room for a period of relaxation.

Cultural significance

The Turkish bath has a significant role in Ottoman and Turkish culture, serving not only as a place to promote cleanliness and health but also as a place of social gathering and ritual cleansing.

See also

• Sauna
• Public bathing
• Roman Baths
• Islamic hygienical jurisprudence