Hammam, also known as a Turkish bath or a steam bath, is a traditional Middle Eastern bathing facility that consists of a series of heated rooms and pools designed for relaxation and cleansing. The word "hammam" originates from Arabic and means "spreader of warmth."
Typically, a hammam is constructed with several chambers of varying temperatures. The first room, known as the cool room, allows visitors to acclimate to the environment before progressing to the hotter areas. As one moves deeper into the facility, the temperature gradually rises, promoting sweat and detoxification.
The main feature of a hammam is a steam room, characterized by a central heated platform or marble slab encompassed by hot steam emitting from water infused with essential oils and herbs. Visitors typically lie down on the platform, allowing their bodies to absorb the moist warmth, relaxing muscles and promoting circulation.
Detoxification is a significant aspect of the hammam experience. Visitors can also avail themselves of additional services, such as exfoliation and deep cleansing, performed by attendants. These services often include the use of a Kese, a coarse mitt, to scrub away dead skin cells and impurities. Following the bath, visitors can cool down in a cold plunge pool or enjoy a refreshing shower.
Apart from the physical benefits, hammams also hold cultural and social significance. Often considered a communal hub, they have historically served as meeting places for people to socialize, connect, and exchange stories. Today, hammams continue to be cherished for their relaxing, rejuvenating, and communal aspects, offering a unique bathing experience embedded in the cultural fabric of the Middle East.
