|
|
The Hamam
(Turkish Bath)
For those of
you who have never been to a hamam, this is how it works:
There are usually "Men's" and "Women's" sides to the hamam. These are separate
and there is no way men and women can intermingle. In addition, your
Kesecis and massage persons will be male for the men and female for
the women. So relax, pretend you are in a harem during the Ottoman
Empire and enjoy!
- First, go to the
changing room and undress completely (you can wear a bathing suite
if you are modest - but it is not customary). Put on the slippers
and wrap yourself with the "Pesdimal" (linen cloth).
- Enter
the hamam and be extra careful not to slip on the wet marble. In the
middle of the room there is a large marble stone. Lie on the stone
for 15-20 minutes to allow your body temperature to rise.
- The Kesaci (male for
the men and female for the ladies) will then summon you for your "Kese"
and begin to scrub your body with a "Kesa", an ancient invention
made of woven goat hair. You will be amazed to see your dead skin
rolling off your body. (TIP: Do not use body lotion 24 hours
prior to your hamam and don't wash your body or hair with soap
before this procedure as the soap will coat your skin and the kese
will not work as well).
- When this short
procedure is complete, the Keseci lathers your body with rich olive
oil soap while he/she massages you from head to toe. Then they
usually say "finished" - but that does not mean you are finished -
it means he/she is finished.You won't believe how smooth your skin
feels! You can stay as long as you like. Turkish women can socialize
there for hours - and men can stay all day!
- Then you
will move to the "Kourna" (basin) where you can rinse yourself
with warm fresh water. At some hamams the Keseci will sit you
between her legs and wash your hair. They have shampoo but you can
bring your own shampoo and conditioner.
- When you are ready,
you wrap yourself in your (wet) "Pedismal" and out of the hamam
where an attendant should be waiting for you with a dry towel.
- Then you are ready for your oil
massage (Please note that not all hamams offer oil massage). You
will then be instructed to lay face down on the massage table
where you will get your 20 minute oil massage. The massage is
generally a light massage so if you want deep tissue just tell your
masseuse.
- When you are done,
go back to your changing room, change then go out of the women's
section to the common area where you can relax and drink a tea or
apple tea (hot beverage is recommended). TIP: You can bring your shampoo &
toiletries to clean up at the hamam. Ask where the showers are.
- Always tip your attendant
(look for a tip box). I always tip 20%.
|
