All about the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam in Istanbul

Istanbul is one of those cities that many people from different parts of the world plan to travel and enjoy there every year.

A city that is at least two thousand years old, welcomes the arrival of many tourists with a variety of historical and modern attractions.

Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam traditional 

This hammam is located right in the heart of Istanbul and you will not find it difficult to reach it.

Not only will this hammam add a historical dimension to your visit, but you can also add fun, as you can choose one of the hammam and massage packages and this time experience the purity in the traditional Turkish way.

Finally invite yourself to lunch or dinner and do not miss the first class dishes of this restaurant, come with us to the historic bathhouse of the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam.

History of the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam traditional 

One of the oldest and most beautiful historical baths in Istanbul, the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam, which is located in the tourist neighborhood of Fatih, dates back to the sixteenth century and the time of Sultan Suleiman, the famous Ottoman king.

It all began when Hurrem Sultan, Queen of the Ottoman Empire, ordered the architect to build a bath for religious residents of the city near the famous mosques of Istanbul.

The architect was none other than the famous architect Sinan, the artist, and the maker of memorable buildings such as the Suleymaniye Mosque, Mahrouma Mosque, Rustem Pasa Mosque, etc.

To build this bathhouse, the architect Sinan took a place between the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

And by the way, the choice of this place was related to these two buildings, because many people in the city went to one of these two important places in the city.

And as a result there was a bath in this area, which can be Accessed easily.

The construction of Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam began in 1556 AD, and in the same year its doors were opened to the public.

Although the construction of the bath dates back to the beginnings of the Ottoman Empire and is built in the traditional style of this period, you can still see the creative dimensions of architecture in this Turkish bath clearly.

Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam is as in the past, at the center of attention and along with other attractions in Istanbul, it can be part of your list of visits to see the sights of this city.

By choosing hurrem sultan Hammam, in addition to visiting one of the most beautiful historical baths, you can bathe in the traditional Turkish style and give yourself a lot of hygiene and comfort.

What happened to Hurrem Sultan Hamam?

It is interesting to know that the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam was built on the site of the ancient baths of Zeoxipus. Which is a thousand-year-old building belonging to the Roman Empire, and was in fact the public baths in Constantinople (formerly Istanbul).

Of course in the past the site of the Hurrem Sultan bath was not restricted to this place.

After building and constructing this beautiful historical structure, the Hurrem Sultan Hammam was still in use until the early twentieth century, when it was closed in 1910 and its function was forgotten for many years.

Over time, Hurrem Sultan bath was left behind and they found other jobs for it when necessary.

For example, this historical bath was used for a period to house prisoners in Istanbul.

The story was that Sultan Ahmet Prison, located near Hurrem Sultan Hamam, no longer had the ability to detain Prisoners and criminals at that time, so the authorities at that time decided to use the abandoned Hamam as a temporary prison.

After that, the Hamam was used for some time as a storeroom of oil and pepper.

This situation continued until the middle of the twentieth century, when a new chapter was written for the story of Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam.

Reconstruction of Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam

Between 1957 and 1958 its old structure was rebuilt for the first time.

And this time the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam found another use.

This time the historic bathhouse building hosted the city’s carpets and became known as the carpet market among the people at that time.

This situation continued until 2007, The bath was rebuilt as it was before and restored its former glory.

In 2008, the reconstruction of this historic bath was entrusted to the Faculty of Architecture of Kocaeli University, which had great skills in reconstructing historical buildings.

During the reconstruction process, a lot of effort was made so that no elements of the main structure were lost under any circumstances.

And this work had a professional team of experts in various fields, which lasted for several months due to the importance of restoring the historical building and preserving its original structure.

About $ 11 million was spent rebuilding the historic bathhouse.

Finally, Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam, who had lived for 450 years in the central district of Istanbul, reopened its doors to the public in 2011.

Architectural overview of Hurrem Sultan Hamam

Although the architect Sinan used the traditional style and style of Ottoman architecture in building this bath, yet new and innovative features can be seen in this building and the unique symmetry of the bathroom sections is one of them.

So that the women’s section in the bathroom is completely consistent with the men’s section in the bathroom.

If we want to take a closer look at the building of this Ottoman bathhouse, we will see that the length of hammam hurrem sultan building is about 75 meters, the men’s part in the hamam is to the north of the building and the women’s part in the south.

When we enter the men’s changing room, there are 4 stained glass windows at the top of the building, but in the women’s changing room, there are three windows.

It is striking that the entrance to the men’s and women’s section is separate.

The men’s entrance in the north of the building, and the women’s entrance in the western part of the bathroom.

Also in the entrance arch, you will see white and red decorations that attract attention, along with golden inscriptions on a green background.

Another distinguishing feature of Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam from other Turkish baths is the presence of a corridor with columns and a dome in the middle of the men’s wing.

If you look closely at the ceiling of the corridor and the dome of this section, you will see that it is made of bricks and covered with a plate of lead.

When we enter the changing room for men, we see a Vaulted ceiling decorated with foliage decorative panels.

We move from the changing room to the warm room, and this time we face the bathroom and the barber room adjacent to the room, all with a vaulted ceiling.

Finally we enter the hot hall, where there are four booths to relax and sit.

In the middle of the room, attracting attention is a large marble and octagonal surface, known as (gobek tasi) or belly stone. The name “belly stone” was chosen for this marble deck because clients lie on this part on their stomachs.  

If you turn around lying on your stomach, you will see small glass windows on the dome of the room illuminating the room.

You should know that the structure of the women’s bathroom is the same, with the difference that the women’s changing room is slightly smaller.

One of the points of interest that can be noted in the construction of Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam is its heating system.

The heat of this bath is provided by the method of sub-stove or the Latin term (Hypocaust).

It is installed in the lower part of the building, under the floor of the bath.

First hot air is produced Then, it causes hot air to circulate in different parts of the bathroom.

And as a result, the building temperature rises, also, with the help of this system, hot water pipes pass through the walls, which plays a role in heating the bath.

The area of Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam is about 3 hectares, and today in addition to the hammam and massage rooms, it also includes other sections.

Parts of Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam

Hurrem Sultan Hamam consists of three different rooms that you’ll encounter upon entering:

1- The cold hall

When entering the bathroom, the cold room is the first part you enter.

Inside the salon there is a VIP room, massage parlor, dressing room, reception area, shop, hairdresser, vitamin bar and place to relax.

In fact, the cold room is where you prepare to go into the bathroom.

To change clothes you can go to certain rooms, put your belongings in locked cabinets and wear white and silk clothes to the bathroom.

2- The hot hall

The largest part of Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam is in front of you.

Upon entering the hot hall, you will see a large marble space surrounded by large and small wings.

These stalls are covered with carpets and you can sit in them, if you look around you will see marble bowls and faucets within reach.

You should know that the temperature in the hot hall ranges from 42 to 47 degrees Celsius.

While in the stalls the temperature rises more and reaches about 60 degrees Celsius.

Now you can understand why the fountain and cold water faucets are around the hot hall.

You can spray cold water on your body with golden bowls to reduce some of the body heat and burning.

In fact the importance of a hot room temperature to make your body sweat, so that your skin is ready for the scrubbing.

Also, if you want to use a massage service, you will return to this salon after using the warm salon.

3- The warm hall

Once your body is sweaty and your skin is ready, you will be directed to a warm salon.

In this hall, the staff of Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam will guide you to lie down in the required place, and now it is time for a Turkish style bath.

Services of Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam

In the traditional Hurrem Sultan Hamam, there are various services and packages of baths, massages and various celebrations.

You will not need any special equipment, and this traditional Hamam complex will provide you with all you need from gloves, shampoo, hair conditioner, body lotion, 100% natural olive oil soap, shower slippers and finally a local beverage.

The Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam Packages

To use bathroom services, there are different packages in front of you that provide you with different services according to cost and time, these packages are:

1- The master bathroom

The first and least expensive package available to you is this one that includes washing your body and serving cold and traditional drinks.

Time: 30 minutes

2- Snow White bath

You’ll benefit from services like relaxation, traditional baths on the floor and with lots of bubbles, as well as neck and head massages.

Finally, you will be served a traditional homemade drink with a taste of the old days of Turkey.

Time: 45 minutes

3- Enjoy bathing

Choosing this package includes things like a body bag, traditional rest, bathing on the floor, bubbles and aromatherapy massages in the Sultan’s private room.

And finally in the break room an unforgettable cold drink will be served.

Time: 60 minutes

4- The taste of hygiene

You have the right to choose from a body bag or scrub with purple tree oil.

Other services are available for you, such as a mud mask with purple tree oil, traditional comfort, a bath on the floor, bubbles and a massage with perfumes in the king’s private room.

Finally after spending about an hour and a half in the bath, do not miss the drink of Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam.

Time: 80 minutes

5- Water of life

It can be said that you will get the best and most exclusive services from Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam in this package.

A full body cleansing in the sultan’s balcony, a mud mask with purple tree oil, traditional comfort and bath on the floor and bubbles, head and neck massage, aromatherapy massage, face mask with facial massage and Foot massage in the Sultan’s private room is among the ideal services that will be provided to you.

Finally, you can enjoy cold and traditional drinks, Turkish tea and Istanbul sweets.

With this package fresh fruit will be served as well.

Time: 110 minutes

Massage packages

There are several types of massage in this bath, which are:

1- Aromatherapy massage

Aromatic massage stimulates the lymphatic system in the body, removes toxins from the body, controls dehydration, and ultimately provides a feeling of happiness and comfort to your muscles.

Time: 50 minutes

2- Reflexology

Reflexology is a traditional massage in China and India that is based on the belief that “the feet are a mirror of the entire body, and certain parts of the foot are connected to different parts of the body”.

So reflexology completely focuses on foot massage to balance the current energy in the body and make you feel relaxed.

Time: 35 minutes

3- Fight stress

Anti-stress massage is a gentle and regular massage to induce relaxation in the muscles of the body.

It is good to know that gentle movements of the head and legs make the muscles and tissues of the body relax, which in turn will reduce anxiety and tension.

It is recommended to use this massage after a traditional shower.

Time: 50 minutes

4- Back massage

By choosing a back massage, your scalp, neck and shoulders will be massaged and will bring you pleasant moments.

It is good to know that back massage improves blood flow.

Time: 35 minutes

A wedding ceremony is held at Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam

Holding celebrations in cafes, restaurants, parks and amusement parks is something that you can see anywhere in the world.

But the historical bath of Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam has prepared different conditions for you!

You can count on this Turkish bath for your wedding ceremony and you will see a different party in the traditional way of bath.

Bride and groom package services are as follows:

• Marriage Ceremony.
• Traditional gold bath bowls, traditional bathrobes and bath slippers.
• Cosmetics with comb, shower gloves, olive oil soap, purple oil shampoo, hair conditioner and body cream.
• The traditional full-body bag and body towel party with bubbles for all guests.
• A traditional ceremony of back and body cloth with floor wash and bubbles for the bride in the sultan’s room.
• Bride mud, greasy and moisturizing mask.
• Food and drinks while you shower.
• Hanbendan party in the cold bath room in traditional clothes for the guests.
• Turkish sweets in the buffet.
• Traditional live music.

Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam Restaurant

After an hour and a half of a hot bath and a gentle massage, a delicious meal in a pleasant atmosphere at Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam square would be a good choice.

It is interesting to know that the restaurant’s current kitchen is located in the historical bath oven of the hamam, where they heated the bath water.

By choosing Mehri Restaurant Cafe, you have a menu of delicious Turkish and Mediterranean dishes in front of you. And you can have an unforgettable meal with a wonderful view of Hagia Sophia under the complex’s hundred-year-old trees.

Go to this cafe and invite yourself to have tea and sweets.

It is good to know that the restaurant is not just a simple restaurant famous for its bathroom.

It is actually a very cool and high quality restaurant, and it was one of the best options for Tripadvisor users in 2016.

In this restaurant, which seats 300 people, you can eat a variety of Soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, breakfast and main course.

Time for serving meals: From 08:00 to 01:00 in the morning.

Hours of visiting Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam

From 8:00 to 22:00.

The address of Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam

Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam, Ayasofya Meydanı, Cankurtaran Mh., Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey