Cağaloğlu Hamam, Ottoman bathhouse in Fatih, Turkey
Cağaloğlu Hamam is an Ottoman-era bathhouse in Istanbul's old quarter with separate bathing sections for men and women. The interior features marble walls and detailed tilework beneath large domes, with a sequence of rooms that gradually increase in temperature from cool to intensely hot.
Built in 1741, the bathhouse was originally designed to generate revenue for Sultan Mahmud I's library adjacent to the Ayasofya Mosque. Over the centuries, it has undergone several renovations to maintain its structure and preserve its Ottoman architectural features.
The bathhouse has long served as a gathering place where neighbors came to bathe and spend time together. Visitors today follow the same bathing sequence that locals have practiced for generations, moving through hot and warm sections while attendants perform traditional scrubbing and massage treatments on heated stone surfaces.
Visitors should be prepared for a hot and humid environment and can set aside time for an unhurried experience. Towels and slippers are provided, and it helps to check ahead about which treatments are available on the day of your visit.
Over the centuries, the bathhouse has welcomed notable visitors including the British nurse Florence Nightingale and European royalty. These historical visits have added layers of intrigue to a place that continues to attract travelers from around the world.
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