On a recent trip to Istanbul, my husband and I suffered the consequences of our adventurous explorations: my knee was aching from the relentless walking, and his back was in dire need of relief. To embrace local culture, we decided to indulge in a Turkish massage—a quintessential experience in Turkey.
The Search for a Hammam
Finding the right place was an adventure in itself. After a thorough search online, my husband discovered a Hammam just a few blocks from where we were staying. The unassuming exterior gave little away, but as we stepped inside, the ambiance was startlingly reminiscent of a scene from an old-world brothel. We were intrigued and ready to dive into this cultural experience despite initial hesitations.
Embarking on the Adventure
Greeted by the staff, we were immediately ushered into a dressing room and handed traditional Turkish towels, known as “peshtemals.” We were instructed to strip off our clothes and wrap ourselves in these towels.
Feeling slightly vulnerable yet curious, we followed their instructions and were then led into a sauna. The heat was intense at first, and I found myself itching to escape, but as the minutes passed, a sense of calm washed over me, along with intense sweat.
The Hammam Ritual
After our time in the sauna, we were separated as my husband was taken to the men’s section and I was guided into the women’s area. To my surprise, this was not a typical bathroom but a serene massage area. Instructed to stand still, my towel was removed, leaving me exposed in front of my masseuse. I felt exposed and embarrassed but went with the flow.
Lying on the warm marble slab, a cascade of warm water enveloped me, followed by an invigorating luffah scrub that left my skin tingling. The thoroughness of the scrub was both surprising and refreshing, as the masseuse expertly worked to cleanse every part of my body.
Next, came the bubbles—large, frothy bubbles that were poured generously over me, adding a playful touch to the experience. The session concluded with a soothing hair wash, leaving me feeling refreshed and renewed.
Reunited and Relaxed
Finally, I was led into a communal area to join my husband on a heated stone platform. We lay there silently, basking in the warmth and absorbing the tranquility of the moment. It was an experience that transcended our initial discomfort, offering not just physical relief but also a fascinating glimpse into a cherished cultural tradition.
A Unique Cultural Experience
Our Turkish massage in Istanbul was more than just a remedy for aching muscles; it was an adventure that plunged us into the rich tapestry of Turkish customs. Despite the initial blush of embarrassment, the experience was ultimately invigorating and left us both feeling rejuvenated.
If you ever find yourself in Turkey, I highly recommend stepping out of your comfort zone to embrace this unique and deeply relaxing tradition.
