The Cagaloglu Hammam was constructed as a public hammam to generate revenue for Sultan Mahmud’s library located inside Hagia Sophia Mosque. Suleyman Aga and Abdullah Aga, two well-known architects of the time, started it. This hammam is a remarkable example and stands as the last one built in Istanbul that remains operational to this day.
The entrance to the women’s section is on a side street called Hammam, while men enter from the main road through two marble columns adorned with classic stalactite capitals. Over time, due to street elevation changes, access to the men’s section now requires climbing a staircase with ten steps. The architectural style of the door is distinct from traditional Turkish design and features a tablet above it with a lengthy inscription consisting of seven lines and twenty-eight verses. The large dome is connected to an elevated pool area through segmented corner trumpet-like vault panels—an artistic masterpiece with a waterjet. The windows are strategically placed between the vault panels in groups of three, allowing ample natural light. Atop the dome, there is a lantern for illumination.
Tap continue reading about the history of Cagaloglu Turkish Bath.
The camekan area includes dressing rooms known as şirvans. Access to the soğukluk area is through a double door from the camekan and is covered by seven-barrel vaults and a small dome. These domes are supported by arches and columns. In the sıcaklık area, eight marble columns uphold the dome structure with arches. In the center, there is a marble göbektaşı surrounded by halvets in each corner and three sofas between the undressing room of the women’s section and the men’s camekan area. The layout of both camekan and soğukluk areas deviates from traditional plans, characterized by two columns dividing soğukluk into three sections with a central dome—a design unique to this hammam.
The heat room in both men’s and women’s sections follows similar architectural patterns. Behind the wall of each heat room lies the külhan—the heating system used for generating steam.
An interesting anecdote involves Bitlisli Ali, a folk poet who worked at this hammam as both a külhancı (heating system operator) and a tellak (masseur). Ali had an extraordinary dream where he was visited by an elderly sheik with a long white beard who desired to go to a hammam for washing purposes. Coincidentally, Ali worked at Hacı Mustafa’s hammam at that time, with a Muslim külhancı on staff. As a result, the sheik decided to go to this particular hammam, and after getting his hair washed by Bitlisli Ali himself, he gave him a piece of gold as a gesture of goodwill. Ali treasured this gold throughout his life without spending it.
According to historical records, Cagaloğlu Hammam, established in 1741, is one of the oldest Turkish firms still in operation today. Evliya Çelebi’s accounts from the second half of the 17th century mention the construction of 150 large and 150 small hammams—totaling 300—in order to provide bathing facilities for workers involved in building other foundations. The revenue generated by these hammams was utilized as worker salaries and for the preservation of these structures.
Services
Istanbul Dream — €60
Step into a world of enchantment at Cagaloglu Hammam, an establishment that has been serving for over 300 years. Enjoy a 15-minute private hot room session, a 10-minute bath glove rubdown, and a 20-minute blissful bubble bath to fully immerse yourself in Istanbul’s old-world charm. After this exquisite ritual, enjoy traditional Turkish tea, homemade sherbet, and delightful Turkish treats to replenish your energy for the adventures that await you in Istanbul.
Enjoy a 15-minute hot room rest (similar to a sauna experience)
Experience a 10-minute invigorating rubdown with a specialized bath glove.
Pamper yourself with a luxurious 20-minute bubble bath (foam massage).
Treats: Savor Turkish tea along with delicious homemade sherbet and Turkish delight.
Tip to Toe Bliss — €80
If you’re seeking a moment of pause and self-renewal, this ritual is tailor-made for you. Begin with 15 minutes of pure relaxation in the hot room, allowing your worries to melt away. Next, experience the purification of your body through an invigorating 10-minute rubdown using the finest bath gloves available. The highlight is the indulgent bubble massage that lasts for an exquisite total of 35 minutes—starting from your feet and working its way up to your neck and head—leaving you feeling revitalized from head to toe. Lastly, complete this rejuvenating journey with Turkish tea, homemade sherbet, and delectable Turkish delight served at the end of this exquisite ritual.
Take pleasure in a serene 15-minute hot room rest (similar to sauna relaxation)
Experience an invigorating 10-minute rubbing session using specialized Kese gloves.
Indulge in an extended 35-minute bubble bath (foam massage).
Treats: Turkish tea, homemade sherbet, and a selection of mouthwatering Turkish delights.
Cagaloglu Hammam Experience — €100
Immerse yourself in the special service that Cagaloglu Hammam offers, fusing traditional Turkish bath rituals with an Oriental flair. Start off with 15 minutes of total relaxation in the hot room, then engage in a traditional 10-minute rubbing session. Then, prepare to be pampered with a luxurious 35-minute bubble massage to complete the authentic Turkish bath experience. As you reach the cold section of the hammam, treat your feet to a soothing 20-minute massage using linden oil. Finally, indulge in Turkish tea, homemade sherbet, appetizers, and delectable Turkish delights.
Enjoy a tranquil 15-minute hot room rest (similar to sauna relaxation)
Experience the classic 10-minute rubbing session using specialized Kese gloves.
Luxuriate in a rejuvenating 35-minute bubble bath (foam massage)
Relish a calming 20-minute foot massage.
Treats: Delight your taste buds with Turkish tea, homemade sherbet, appetizers, and an array of tempting Turkish delights.
The Ottoman Luxury Service — €160
Begin another extraordinary journey that will transport you back to the opulence of the Ottoman Empire with our Ottoman Luxury Service. Start by unwinding during a delightful 15-minute hot room rest before experiencing an invigorating 10-minute rubbing session using specialized Kese gloves. Indulge further with a lavish 35-minute bubble massage that will leave you feeling utterly pampered. To truly embrace the royal treatment, immerse yourself in a soothing aromatherapy massage for 45 minutes using linden oil in our private rooms. As this regal ritual comes to an end, relish in traditional Turkish tea accompanied by homemade sherbet and tantalizing treats such as Turkish delight, appetizers, and fresh fruit.
Indulge in a serene 15-minute hot room rest (similar to sauna relaxation).
Experience an invigorating 10-minute rubbing session using specialized Kese gloves.
Luxuriate in a rejuvenating 35-minute bubble bath (foam massage)
Treat yourself to a blissful 45-minute aromatherapy massage in a private room.
Treats: Enjoy Turkish tea, homemade sherbet, delightful Turkish delight, appetizers, and a refreshing assortment of fruits.
Sultan Mahmud the First — €200
The Cagaloglu Hammam, built under the patronage of Sultan Mahmud the First, offers a luxurious experience fit for a sultan. Start with 15 minutes of relaxation in the hot room, then two skilled therapists will perform a 45-minute massage and bubble bath. Afterward, indulge in a 15-minute foot massage in your private room while enjoying a collagen face-mask treatment for complete rejuvenation. Finally, conclude this royal ritual with a 45-minute aromatherapeutic massage and savor sultan-worthy treats.
Enjoy 15 minutes of relaxation in the hot room (similar to a sauna).
Experience a refreshing 45-minute rubbing and bubble massage by two therapists.
Treat yourself to a 15-minute foot massage.
Rejuvenate your skin with a collagen face mask.
Delight in a lavish 45-minute aromatherapy massage in your private room.
Our Gifts: You will also receive special gifts, including Pestemal (hammam towel), Cologne, and Cagaloglu Hammam Cosmetics.
Elixir of Cagaloglu Hammam — €300
Embark on an enchanting journey of serenity and renewal with our pampering ritual that begins with an invigorating Turkish bath experience. Start by relaxing for 15 minutes in the warm room with the assistance of two highly qualified therapists to simultaneously cleanse and revitalize your body. Then enjoy gentle massages using exfoliating scrubs and foam for 45 minutes before applying our detoxifying organic clay mask for another rejuvenating touch lasting 15 minutes to eliminate dead skin cells and impurities. Complete your rebirth with an indulgent 45-minute aromatherapy session in our private massage room. Throughout these relaxation rituals, you will be served rehydrating and healthy drinks, as well as nutritious food. Additionally, you’ll receive a 15-minute foot massage in the privacy of your lodge and exclusive bath products presented in a handmade ceramic bath bowl. As a token of our appreciation, we will also provide Turkish cologne, Pestemal (towel), and Hammam cosmetics as gifts after your session.
All treatments are performed by two therapists.
Begin with 15 minutes of relaxation in the hot room.
Enjoy a 10-minute rubbing using a private one-use glove (kese).
Indulge in a 35-minute bubble bath (foam massage).
Enjoy a 10-minute rubbing using a private one-use glove (kese).
Experience a full-body clay mask for 15 minutes.
Delight in a luxurious 45-minute aromatherapy massage in your private room.
Treat yourself to a 15-minute foot and hand massage. Treats included: Turkish tea, homemade sherbet, Turkish Delight, appetizers, and fruit.
Bridal Bath — To receive a price quote, please fill out the necessary details
The bridal bath is an age-old tradition from the Ottoman period that has become increasingly popular among brides-to-be. This unique activity combines tradition with modern concepts to create unforgettable moments for both the bride and her guests. To make your special day even more memorable and spend quality time with your loved ones, consider experiencing a bridal bath. Before your wedding day arrives, it’s essential to relax both your mind and skin. Turkish baths provide the perfect setting to prepare yourself physically and mentally for this momentous occasion. With the accompaniment of talented musicians at Cagaloğlu Hammam, you can dance joyfully with loved ones amidst this warm ambiance while capturing these precious moments through photographs.
💡All guests are provided with complimentary amenities such as linden shampoo, hair cream, body lotion, 100% olive oil Ayvalik soap, one-use slippers, towels, and brechclothes.
❌We advise against the use of Turkish bath for guests who are in their first or last three months of pregnancy or who have heart diseases, diabetes, or asthma. Furthermore, we do not recommend the use of Turkish bath for guests who have recently consumed alcohol or those who are famished or overly full. In such cases, the Cagaloglu Hammam cannot be held responsible. Adittionaly, please note that children under the age of 6 are not allowed on the hammam premises. Guests under the age of 18 can only experience the hammam when accompanied by an adult.
