The practice of the Turkish Bath or Hamam, is centuries old. The Cemberlitas Hamami is a popular Turkish bathhouse in the heart of Istanbul that reigns from the 16th century. On day three of my week long holiday in Istanbul, I decided to partake in this ancient ritual. Given that I am fairly shy, it was only three years ago that I had finally succumbed and had my first massage in Thailand on a previous Christmas adventure. While I knew I wanted to try the Turkish baths, I still had a hint of apprehension cloaking me.
Torrential rain drove me to the Hamam that day. After seeking refuge in the Grand Bazaar, I wandered around the stalls until the power went out, leaving me with some time on my hands. All signs were pointing for me to visit the Hamam. Standing outside I watched as droves of locals and the odd tourist confidently went inside. I took a deep breath before making my way down the slippery marble stairs to the front desk of the Haman.
After getting my token and washcloth, an attendant arrives and takes me up the winding staircase to the women’s communal dressing room where she shows me to my locker and hands me slippers and a checkered pestamel, my towel. I change into my pestamel and go back downstairs to the staging room where a female attendant is folding towels. She gestures for me to go in the double doors to my right.
