Historic Turkish Bath Places In Istanbul

Turkish baths were initially built to generate income for charity and workers. They occupied an important place both religiously and socially during the Ottoman period. They were notable for being a unique tourist attraction for hosting social and cultural events for different segments of society. In Istanbul baths, which hosted many important events such as marriage, birth, and celebration, we can see the cultural traces aligning with the historical textures. 

Hammam, which has a reputation for its colorful ceremonies, architecture, and traditional objects that reflect the richness of Turkish culture, has become a subject of interest, especially among European artists, and an important tourist attraction for visitors worldwide. Visiting hammams is one of the most exciting things to do in Istanbul. 

Although it is not used as widely today as it used to be, it is an important cultural heritage that should be conserved. They are one of the primary parts of Anatolian culture, located in Istanbul. In this article, we have compiled a few of these mesmerizing Turkish baths that you should visit, including the Turkish bath, which is among the New York Times 1000 places to visit before you die list. 

Çemberlitaş Turkish Bath

Çemberlitaş, which draws attention with its unique historical story and proximity to the famous tourist attractions in Istanbul, such as Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Eminönü, is at the top of our things to do in Istanbul list. The bath, which dates to the 16th century, is also the titleholder of the longest-running business in Turkey. 

Çemberlitaş Turkish bath was built by Mimar Sinan, by the desire of Sultan 2. Selim's wife Nûrbânû Sultan, to generate income for the Valide-i Atik Complex in Üsküdar. The structure is breathtaking with its geometric shape and the entrance door with an inscription on it. The building, which bears traces of the Mimar Sinan's prodigy in every detail, was built in the last period of the famous architect's mastery. 

Historical Galatasaray Turkish Bath

In the last era of the Ottoman Empire, many nations lived together in Istanbul. And Beyoğlu, formerly known as Pera, is one of these culturally diverse regions of Istanbul, also known for its proximity to many tourist attractions such as Galata Tower, Galatasaray High school, Istiklal street, Taksim_Square. 

Galatasaray Turkish bath was built in 1481 by the desire of Sultan 2. Beyazıt. In addition to its interesting architecture, the hammam has a beautiful story. Sultan Bayezid meets Gül Baba, a respected citizen of the time while strolling around the place Galatasaray High School is currently located. 

Gül Baba asks the sultan a favor to build a complex, which has a large school and a large hammam in it, that will survive for centuries. Sultan Bayezid accepts Gül baba's wish and gets the Galatasaray High School, where many writers have been essential for Turkish literature educated, and the Galatasaray Turkish bath built-in 1481.

Çi̇ni̇li̇ Turkish Bath

The Çinili Turkish bath, which you can reach by public transport, is in the Üsküdar district and is one of the baths you should go to in Istanbul. The Çinili Turkish bath, which dates to the 17th century, has mesmerized many artists with its historical features and beautiful architecture. It also featured in many films and photographs. 

It is one of the most important tourist attractions in Istanbul today. The Çinili Turkish bath, built by order of Kösem Sultan, was built in a complex where four other structures, a mosque, the library, and the police station, are located. Although it is known as Çinili (Tiled) Turkish bath, unfortunately, tiles were stolen and never found again. 

Cağaloğlu Turkish Bath

Visiting Cağaloğlu Turkish bath is another member of our things to do in Istanbul list. You can easily reach Cağaloğlu Turkish bath, located in Fatih district, close to Istanbul's historical Basilica Cistern, by public transport. Cağaloğlu Turkish bath, which dates to the 18th century, was built by Sultan Mahmut to fix an income for the Sultan Mahmut Library which is located in the Hagia Sophia Mosque. Its Baroque-style architecture, which separates it from the classical Ottoman baths and makes it the latest example of this type of architecture in Istanbul. 

Cağaloğlu Turkish bath is also the only hammam included in the New York Times' list of "1000 Places to See Before You Die". The rumor that the image of the Cağaloğlu Turkish bath, depicted in an engraving in the book published in 1838 by the famous Irish writer Robert Walsh, has made the hammam an important tourist attraction for tourists for many years. 

Ağa Turkish Bath

Located 400 meters from Taksim square, one of Istanbul's famous tourist attractions, the Ağa Turkish bath was built by order of Ottoman Sultan Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1454, one year after the conquest of Istanbul. Bath's current location used to be a hunting ground for the sultan and his sons. For this reason, Fatih Sultan Mehmet ordered this structure built as a hunting house and the upper floor as a hammam. 

Until the very last years of the Ottoman Empire, the Ağa Turkish bath, which was separated from other hammams in Istanbul by being used only by sultans, was purchased by an Armenian woman within the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923 and opened to the public use for the first time. 

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The Istanbul Tourist Pass gives you access to over 40 attractions, including some of Istanbul's most popular tourist attractions, such as the famous Hagia Sophia Mosque, the luxurious Dolmabahce Palace, the mythological Basilica Cistern, and many more. All of these Istanbul attractions are included in the price of the Istanbul Tourist Pass. The best part of all is that you can save up to 75% on your Istanbul visit with the Pass! If you have visited all of the attractions included in the Istanbul Tourist Pass, it will cost 75 percent more than the Pass price