The history and art of luxurious bathing

Historical and architectural features

The Hamam Hurrem Sultan in Istanbul was designed and built by Mimar

Sinan, the Ottoman architect between the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia Basilica on the remains of baths Zeuksippos totally destroyed 532. It was built at the request of Sultan Hurrem

(Roxelane), the wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century

(1556-1557).

Restored in 2008, the hamam retains its original 450 years and is listed as the first hamam with the part of women and men in the same axis.

Life Hurrem Sultan (Roxelane)

Born in the Kingdom of Poland in 1506, she is kidnapped by pirates Tatars in 1520 and taken under the protection of Crimean Khan. It was then presented to the Ottoman palace and began his life in the harem of the Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. She drew the attention of Suleiman the Magnificent and was the first married woman with an Ottoman king.

Hurrem Sultan died 18 April 1558 at the age of 52 years, eight years before her husband the Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.

Traditions Hamam (Turkish Bath)

The excavations in the city of Pompeii shows that the history of the hamam, being constructed for cleaning and fun, goes to Roman times. During the brightest of the Ottoman Empire, bathrooms period existed in each area, open a few days a week just for women.

People went every week in the hamams to meet friends. Ceremonial preparations were made because we do not spend hours a day but in hamams.

The traditions of the hamam, symbol cleaning, care, welfare, health, fun and social sharing have recomencées again in Hürrem Sultan Hamam. This hamam served to kings and queens, and now it offers the benefits of water under a beautiful atmosphere to its visitors.