Benefits
-
Skin Renewal
Kese exfoliates the dead skin layer
-
Muscle Release
The warm marble navel stone softens the muscles
-
Circulation
Warmth supports circulation
-
Fresh Skin
A soft, smooth feeling
About
The traditional Turkish hammam is a ritual of cleansing and rest carried down from Seljuk and Ottoman times. Warm marble, kese and rich foam make up the experience, which at Aqua Plus is given to modern hygiene standards by our experienced tellaks (hammam attendants). The ritual both cleanses the body and relaxes it with warmth, leaving your skin feeling light and soft.
The hammam ritual, step by step
- Navel stone: You rest for about 10 minutes on the heated marble göbek taşı (navel stone); the warmth softens the muscles and prepares the skin for the kese.
- Kese: Your tellak exfoliates the dead skin layer with a traditional kese mitt, using pressure suited to your skin.
- Foam massage: Rich foam made with olive-oil soap is spread over your body using a traditional cloth bag and applied with a gentle massage.
- Hair wash and rinse: Your hair is washed with warm water poured from copper bowls to complete the ritual, followed by herbal tea in the relaxation area.
The ritual lasts 30 minutes. You can ask for the kese pressure to be adjusted; if your skin is sensitive, simply tell your tellak.
Before your hammam
- Avoid a heavy meal just before your session and drink enough water during the day.
- As your skin will be exfoliated, we recommend avoiding waxing, epilation or shaving the day before; freshly shaved skin can be irritated by the kese.
- You may want to bring spare underwear, a hair tie or cap and any personal care products you like to use.
Who is it for?
It suits anyone trying hammam culture for the first time, those who want a deep cleanse for their skin and guests who want a traditional start to a spa day. Being short, it is easy to plan alongside a massage on the same day.
When to be careful
- Pregnancy
- A cardiovascular condition, or high or low blood pressure
- Sensitivity to heat or a tendency to dizziness
- Skin problems such as sunburn, open wounds, eczema or active acne
- Recent skin treatments such as laser or a chemical peel
Traditional hammam or another ritual?
- Ottoman Palace Hammam: the same ritual with a body mask or peel of your choice; a fuller treatment lasting 50 minutes in total.
- Hot Stone Massage: a 70-minute session for those who want to carry on relaxing in warmth with a massage.
- Classic Swedish Massage: if you would like to finish the day with a full-body massage after your hammam.
After your hammam
- Sit for a few minutes in the relaxation area and drink plenty of water; get up slowly after the heat.
- Your skin may be sensitive after the kese; use a light moisturiser and avoid sunbathing on the same day.
- In cold weather, dry your hair and keep warm before heading out.
About Traditional Turkish Hammam
How is a Turkish hammam done?
The ritual begins with a rest on the heated marble navel stone, where the warmth prepares your skin for the kese. Your tellak then exfoliates the dead skin with a kese mitt, gives a gentle massage with olive-oil soap foam and washes your hair with warm water poured from copper bowls. At Aqua Plus the ritual lasts 30 minutes.
What should I bring to the hammam?
Spare underwear, a hair tie or cap and any personal care products you like to use are enough. You can ask your branch about anything else when you book.
Does the kese irritate the skin?
Because the kese removes the dead skin layer, your skin may look slightly red afterwards; this passes quickly. If your skin is sensitive, ask your tellak for lighter pressure. Avoiding waxing, epilation or shaving the day before helps prevent irritation.
What are the benefits of Traditional Turkish Hammam?
The kese removes the dead skin layer, helping your skin feel smoother and softer, while the warmth and foam massage relax the body. Using a light moisturiser afterwards helps keep that softness. A hammam is not a treatment for skin conditions; if you have a dermatological problem, consult your doctor first.
How long does a Traditional Turkish Hammam session take?
A Traditional Turkish Hammam session takes 30 minutes. You can choose the duration that suits you when booking.
Who is Traditional Turkish Hammam suitable for?
Traditional Turkish Hammam is suitable for traditional hammam seekers, those wanting deep skin renewal, guests curious about hammam culture and first-time spa visitors. Please let us know before your appointment if you are pregnant, have had recent surgery or have a chronic condition.
Which areas does Traditional Turkish Hammam focus on?
The treatment focuses on whole body, back, arms and legs. You can agree your priority areas with your therapist at the start of the session.
What is included in a Traditional Turkish Hammam session?
The session includes marble göbektaşı rest, traditional kese, foam massage, hair wash and herbal tea ceremony.
Where in Istanbul and Izmir can I book Traditional Turkish Hammam?
Traditional Turkish Hammam is available at the Aqua Plus branches in Bagcilar, Fatih, Sisli, Zeytinburnu, Pendik and Bayrakli. All branches are open seven days a week (10:00 – 22:00 / 23:00); choose the branch nearest to you when booking.
How do I book Traditional Turkish Hammam?
You can book online by selecting a branch, date and time slot, or contact the branch directly by phone or WhatsApp. We recommend booking ahead to avoid waiting at peak times.
Where to Get Traditional Turkish Hammam
Traditional Turkish Hammam is available at all six Aqua Plus branches. Choose the one closest to you; the booking form opens with the branch and service already selected.
-
ISTANBUL · BAğCıLAR
Traditional Turkish Hammam in Bağcılar
Near: Güneşli, Kirazlı, Yenibosna
M1B metro line (Bağcılar–Kirazlı), the Mahmutbey–Bağcılar axis and the Basın Ekspres connection; metrobus via Yenibosna/Şirinevler.
-
ISTANBUL · FATIH
Traditional Turkish Hammam in Fatih
Near: Çapa, Aksaray, Vatan
Reachable via the T1 Kabataş–Bağcılar tram (Fındıkzade / Çapa–Şehremini stops) and the M1A metro line (Aksaray).
-
ISTANBUL · ŞIşLI
Traditional Turkish Hammam in Şişli
Near: Mecidiyeköy, Gayrettepe, Esentepe
The M2 metro (Şişli–Mecidiyeköy), M7 metro (Mecidiyeköy–Mahmutbey) and the Mecidiyeköy metrobus stop are within walking distance.
-
ISTANBUL · ZEYTINBURNU
Traditional Turkish Hammam in Zeytinburnu
Near: Cevizlibağ, Topkapı, Maltepe Mahallesi
Reachable via the Zeytinburnu M1A metro / T1 tram interchange, the Cevizlibağ metrobus stop and the E-5 highway.
-
ISTANBUL · PENDIK
Traditional Turkish Hammam in Pendik
Near: Kaynarca, Sapanbağları, Kurtköy
Reachable via the M4 metro line (Kaynarca–Pendik), the Marmaray Pendik station and the D-100 / coastal road.
-
IZMIR · BAYRAKLı
Traditional Turkish Hammam in Bayraklı
Near: Adalet, Mansuroğlu, Manavkuyu
