Hammam
History: Where does the hamam come from?
As the name suggests, the Turkish sauna has its origins in the Orient. Archaeological finds suggest that such public baths were already known and used in the Ottoman Empire. The oldest finds date back to the sixth century. Literally translated, "hammam" means bath, bathhouse, swimming pool or bathing place.
However, the roots of the hammam go back even further: they developed from the Roman thermal baths, which were widespread during antiquity. With the rise of Islam, these bathhouses were influenced by Islam and developed into important facilities for ritual cleansing and hygiene. Personal hygiene always played a central role in Islamic culture - the hammam thus became a place not only for physical cleansing but also for spiritual preparation.
The original meaning of a visit to the hammam was primarily related to the ritual washing of the whole body - the ghusl - which plays a major role in Islam. This ritual was much more than a cleansing; it developed into a fixed bathing ceremony with a social and spiritual character.
At the same time, the hammam was an important social meeting place - especially for women, who often had few public spaces available to them in patriarchal societies. In the hammams set up especially for them, they could exchange ideas, relax and be part of a community.
The hammams were often built right next to mosques and also served as a source of income for religious foundations. In traditional hammams, there was a strict separation of the sexes. There were either separate rooms for women or separate opening hours in which the bathing area was reserved exclusively for them.
How it works: How does the treatment in a hammam work?
You do not enter a Turkish bath naked. It is therefore compulsory to wear bathing clothes or a sauna towel. The bathing ceremony usually begins with a shower or bath with clear water - an initial ritual to prepare the body and mind for the cleansing ahead.
This is followed by the first sauna session. Temperatures of around 50 °C and high humidity prevail in the warm steam room. The soothing warmth opens the pores and optimally prepares the skin for the subsequent exfoliation.
After around 15 minutes, the first sauna session is finished and the skin is cleansed with lukewarm water and soap. This is followed by the second sauna session. This is followed by a soothing dry massage in traditional hammams, which is carried out by the tellak - a specially trained sauna or bath attendant.
This is followed by the actual hammam massage. The body is rubbed with lather made from black soap and then massaged. A nourishing body wrap with or without a massage with rasul or healing clay can also be part of this oriental bathing ritual.
At the end, a relaxation room invites you to unwind - a quiet space to let the experience sink in.
Target group & indications: How does a hammam work and who is it suitable for?
An oriental bath is a soothing wellness treatment for body and soul. It not only cleanses the skin deep into the pores, but also provides relaxation. However, a Turkish steam bath has even more health benefits.
A study by the Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine at the University of Granada (Spain) showed that hammam therapy over a period of four weeks significantly alleviated pain in patients with endometriosis.
A Turkish steam bath is also excellent for cleansing the skin down to the pores and stimulating blood circulation. The relaxing effect reduces stress, stabilizes the heart rate and improves overall well-being and sleep quality.
Suitable for:
- People with high stress levels or inner restlessness
- People with sleep disorders or symptoms of exhaustion
- Women with endometriosis (to accompany medical treatment)
- People with sensitive or blemished skin
- Guests looking for a deep cleansing wellness experience
- Anyone who appreciates holistic rituals for relaxation and regeneration
- People with circulatory problems who benefit from mild heat
- Wellness enthusiasts who value traditional treatments
Contraindications: What are the side effects of a hammam?
The comparatively low temperatures of only around 50 °C make a hammam easier to tolerate than a Finnish sauna.
Nevertheless, there are groups of people who should refrain from visiting.
These include people with serious skin conditions, open wounds or other acute injuries. A hammam should also be avoided if you have a cold or flu-like infection.
A hammam is not recommended for:
- Acute infections such as colds, flu or fever
- Open wounds, fresh scars or acute injuries
- Severe skin diseases such as atopic eczema flare-ups, psoriasis (in the acute stage) or fungal infections
- Cardiovascular diseases, e.g. unstable angina pectoris, heart failure or severe high blood pressure
- Circulatory weakness or a tendency to faint
- Pregnancy - especially in the first trimester or in high-risk pregnancies
- Allergies to soap ingredients or to the peeling
- Respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD: the hot, humid steam can exacerbate symptoms
Conclusion
The most important facts about the hammam at a glance
- 1. A hammam (also known as a hamam) is a Turkish sauna.
- 2. The temperature is around 50 °C, which is significantly lower than in a Finnish sauna.
- 3. The treatment in a hammam includes one or more massages with a special soap and/or healing clay.
- 4. An oriental bath is never entered naked, but in swimwear or with a sauna towel.
- 5. For medical reasons, regular saunas in a hamam are highly recommended.
- 6. Additional treatments such as a Rasul wrap or Rasul massage with healing clay can usually be booked as an optional extra to a hammam.
- 7. Originating from the Roman thermal baths, the hammam developed into an important place for ritual cleansing, spiritual contemplation and social encounters.
FAQ - Further questions about the hammam
Light swimwear or wearing a sauna towel is mandatory.
Traditional hamams are used separately for men and women. There are separate areas just for women or opening times when only women are welcome in the Turkish sauna. In Western wellness facilities, however, these areas are usually frequented by men and women at the same time.
Admission prices vary greatly depending on the offer and facility. In general, you should expect to pay between 20 and 40 euros.
First you swap your everyday clothes for swimwear. This is followed by an initial shower or bath with clear water to cleanse the body. You then enter the steam room for the first time. You stay there for around 15 minutes. This is followed by a shower with soap and water. You then enter the steam room again and relax at a pleasant 50 °C and almost 100 percent humidity for another 15 minutes. This is followed by a dry massage performed by a trained hamam sauna attendant, also known as a tellak. This is followed by the actual hammam massage, during which the body is massaged with soap foam. This is followed by the final cleansing under the shower.