No trip to Istanbul is complete without an hour or two spent in a Turkish bath ( Haman ) Turkish baths differ little from the baths of ancient Rome, from which they derive, except there is no pool of cold water to plınge into at the end. A full service will antail a period of relaxation in the steam-filled hot room, punctuated by bouts of vigorous soaping and massaging. There is no time limit, but allow at least an hour and a half for leisurely bath. Towels and soap will be provided, but you can take special toiletries with you. Two historic baths located in the old city, Çemberlitaş and Cağaloğlu ( illustrated below, are used to catering for foreign tourist. Some luxury hotels have their own baths.

Changing Clothes

Before changing you will be given a cloth ( peştemal ), to wrap around you, and a pair of slippers for walking on the bot, wat floor.