Turkey, Turkish Bath

 

I am no King Edward VIII, Tony Curtis or Florence Nightingale but we all share something in common, Cagaloglu Hamam.

 

On the list of “1000 Places To See Before You Die”, Cagaloglu ordered built in 1741 by Sultan Mahmud I is still an active Turkish Bathhouse located on Yerebatan Caddesi.

 

With four options available, I chose “Massage A La Turc” (YTL$62) and I am shown to a private dressing room and locker.

 

Leaving in just a “pestemal” wrap I am given a pair of “Geisha” slippers and escorted to the separate “Men Only” bath area.

 

 

The circular domed capped room is warm and marbled from floor to floor and wall to wall. With over 200 years of history as a public bathhouse, I travel back in time to relive the original bath experience.

 

Finding an open bath area I begin to drench myself with the warm and refreshing water using a provided silver bowl.

 

 

As I am beginning to relax, my masseuse enters the room. Laying on a huge warm stone in the center of the room he begins my full body massage. Soon I know what butter feels like on a hot day. I am melting.

How do you feel? I give no verbal response, I just go limp and this brings a smile to his face. A quick rinse off then my head and arms are lathered in soap as I am treated to the true Turkish Bath experience.

 

Left alone I am given unlimited time to continue enjoying the bath area and sauna. I could remain here forever!

 

 

Cagaloglu Wrap Up

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A last trip to Grand Bazaar and we make new friends (we think) while purchasing last minute souvenirs.

Free tea and chocolates as we get the Turkish carpet sales pitch. The carpets are beautiful but not the right size or price to fit in my backpack.

 

US$2500 for a 4 by 8 foot work of art.

 

 

 

 

Nice weather is forecast for the next few days and it's a shame that I am leaving Istanbul tomorrow.

 

 

I am sure I have only seen a glimpse of what Turkey has to offer.

 

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