Summary

The cultural framings of “Kese and Tellak” in the Turkish bath, or hamam, encapsulate a rich tapestry of historical, social, and architectural traditions that have evolved over centuries. Originating from ancient communal bathing practices in the Middle East and heavily influenced by the Roman thermae, the Turkish bath emerged as a distinctive feature of Ottoman culture following the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. The hamam is not merely a place for physical cleansing but a social institution where people from various walks of life gather to relax, socialize, and partake in age-old rituals, preserving a cultural heritage that persists in modern Turkey and beyond [1 ][2 ][3 ].

The architecture of Turkish baths is renowned for its intricate design and functional layout, often featuring elements such as marble interiors, domed ceilings, and beautiful mosaic tiles that create an atmosphere of elegance and tranquility [3 ][4 ]. The sequence of rooms – from the warm (s1cakl1k) to the hot (hararet) and then the cooling room (so ukluk) – facilitates a seamless transition through different stages of the bathing process, culminating in an experience that is both rejuvenating and deeply relaxing [4 ][5 ]. Despite the advent of modern plumbing, many historic hamams remain operational today, retaining their traditional architectural and ritualistic elements [2 ][3 ].

Central to the hamam experience are the kese and tellak. The kese, a coarse exfoliating glove, plays a vital role in the deep cleansing ritual, removing dead skin cells and promoting blood circulation, while also offering numerous health benefits such as improved skin texture and enhanced lymphatic drainage [6 ][7 ][8 ]. The tellak, traditionally a male attendant, performs a variety of services including the vigorous kese scrub and the luxurious foam massage, making them indispensable figures in the bathing ritual [9 ][10 ]. Historically, tellaks were often migrant workers and played significant roles in the social fabric of the hamam, which served as a communal space for people to bond and partake in life rituals free from societal hierarchies [2 ][11 ]. The Turkish bath’s practices, including its gender dynamics, reflect broader social norms and cultural values. Typically, hamams maintain strict gender segregation with separate sections or different admission times for men and women, each attended by gender-specific bath attendants [12 ][13 ][14 ]. This ensures privacy and comfort, while the communal nature of the baths fosters a sense of community and social interaction. Moreover, the Turkish bath’s integration of traditional and modern elements continues to attract both locals and tourists, emphasizing its enduring cultural significance and adaptability in contemporary wellness trends [9 ][15 ][16 ].

Historical Background

The Turkish bath, known as a “hamam” in Turkey and a “hammam” in the Arab world, is a public bathing facility with ancient roots, tracing back to various cultural and historical influences. The concept of communal bathing was first developed in the Middle East, where it served as a practical place for people to wash and cleanse themselves[1 ]. The tradition of bathhouses dates even further back to the Indus Valley Civilization over 5,000 years ago, where these facilities were used for hygiene and religious purposes[1 ].

The roots of the Turkish bath can be significantly linked to the Roman thermae—grand bathing complexes that provided a range of services similar to modern-day spas[2 ]. Following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Byzantine bathing traditions were merged with the steam bathing practices of Central Asia, particularly those from the Seljuk Turks[2 ]. This synthesis gave birth to the Turkish hamam, which flourished in the Islamic world, adapting to local customs and architectural styles.

Throughout history, the Turkish bath has been more than just a place for physical cleansing. It evolved into a social institution where people from all walks of life could gather, socialize, and relax. This aspect of the hamam made it an integral part of Turkish culture and society for centuries[3 ]. Despite the advent of modern plumbing, many historic hamams still operate today in Turkey and other parts of the former Ottoman Empire, preserving the traditional bathing rituals[2 ].

Notable historical examples of hammams can be found in Greece, where many hammams date back to the Ottoman period between the late 14th century and the 18th century. Some of the oldest remaining examples include the Gazi Evrenos

Hamam in Giannitsa (1392) and the Oruç Pasha Hammam in Didymoteicho (1398)[17 ]. Although many have been abandoned or are in a state of decay, a growing number have been restored and converted into cultural sites or exhibition spaces[17 ]. The Turkish bath’s architecture often features elements reminiscent of Roman baths, such as marble interiors, domed ceilings, and beautiful mosaic tiles. Some bathhouses include a cupola with star-shaped windows that allow natural light to create a dreamy atmosphere with the steam[18 ]. These architectural details not only add to the aesthetic appeal but also enhance the overall experience of the bath.

Architectural Layout of Turkish Baths

A typical Turkish bath is an architectural marvel, characterized by its distinct elements and layout. The main components include the warm room (s1cakl1k), the hot room (hararet), and the cooling room (so ukluk)[ 3 ]. The use of marble, domed ceilings, and intricately designed tiles creates an atmosphere of elegance and tranquility [3 ]. Entering a Turkish bath is like stepping into a sanctuary of relaxation. The ritual begins with a transition from the warm room to the hot room, where steam and heat envelop the body [3 ]. Here, guests can indulge in self-care rituals such as exfoliation with a coarse mitt (kese) and a soapy massage using a lathered cloth (köpük) [3 ]. The experience culminates with a refreshing plunge in the cooling room, followed by relaxation and socializing [3 ].

Crafting the perfect Turkish bath involves meticulous attention to layout and flow. Traditionally, these baths are designed with geometric patterns and symmetry, leading guests through a sequence of spaces – from the cool entry room to the warm room and culminating in the hot room [4 ]. A logical flow enhances the overall experience and sets the stage for relaxation [4 ].

Materials such as marble, mosaic tiles, and ornate ceramics are used to embrace authenticity. Earthy colors and intricate patterns evoke the warmth and luxury of a traditional Turkish bath, telling a story of cultural richness and timeless elegance [4 ].

The s1cakl1k, or hot room, usually has a large dome decorated with small glass clerestory windows that create a half-light [5 ]. In the center of the room is a large heated marble table (göbek ta_1 or navel stone) that customers lie on, and niches with fountains in the corners [5 ]. This room is for soaking up steam and getting a scrub and a massage [5 ]. The warm room is for washing with soap and water, while the so ukluk, or cool room, is to relax, get dressed, have a refreshing drink and snack, and, where available, take a nap in a private cubicle after a massage [5 ].

Hammam complexes usually contain separate quarters for men and women. If there are no separate quarters set aside, men and women are admitted at separate times [5 ]. Because they were social centers as well as baths, hammams became numerous during the time of the Ottoman Empire and were built in almost every Ottoman city

[5 ].

The entrance hall, or “camekan,” welcomes guests into the bathhouse and features ornate decorations, often including elaborate mosaic tiles and marble columns [19 ]. From there, visitors proceed to the so ukluk, or cold room, where they undress and acclimate to the temperature. This room typically leads to the s1cakl1k, or hot room, where the heart of the bathing experience unfolds [19 ]. The hot room is the focal point of the hammam, designed to promote sweating and detoxification [1 9 ]. Its centerpiece is the göbek ta_1, a raised marble platform where bathers recline to receive treatments such as scrubbing and massages [19 ]. Surrounding the göbek ta_1 are alcoves or niches adorned with intricate tile work, creating a visually stunning environment that enhances relaxation and contemplation [19 ].

Lighting is an essential element in Turkish baths. Soft, warm hues contribute to a relaxing ambiance, while ornate lanterns and sconces add a touch of old-world charm.

Kese

“Kese” is a traditional exfoliating glove that has been an integral part of Turkish baths, or “Hammams,” for several centuries[6 ]. The glove is known for its coarse texture, which is highly effective in deeply cleansing and exfoliating the skin, removing dead and dry skin cells from the surface of the body. This thorough cleansing process allows the skin to breathe better, feel healthier, and become smoother to the touch[6 ].

Cultural Significance

In the hammam, the use of the kese is a cornerstone treatment that extends beyond mere physical cleansing. The exfoliation process is a revitalizing ritual deeply ingrained in hammam culture. It effectively removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and promotes better blood circulation, leaving the skin smooth and radiant[7 ]. The experience often includes an olive oil soap massage following the exfoliation, providing a luxurious and rejuvenating sensation for both body and mind[7 ].

Benefits

Regular use of a kese can lead to several health benefits. It helps reduce the incidence of ingrown hair follicles and enhances blood circulation, providing an invigorating effect[6 ]. Additionally, the kese promotes lymphatic drainage and has anti-aging properties[8 ].

Material and Sustainability

Traditional kese mitts are handwoven from raw silk and linen, without any synthetic fibers[8 ]. This makes them a sustainable and waste-free option for exfoliation, as they do not produce microplastic byproducts. With proper care, a kese can last between 5 to 10 years[8 ].

How to Use a Kese

Before applying the kese, it is customary to prepare the skin by spending a few minutes on a hot stone, a feature commonly found in traditional hammams[8 ].

[8 ]

Maintenance Tips

To prolong the life of your kese: [8 ]

Tellak

The tellak played an integral role in the culture of the Turkish bath (hamam). Traditionally, a tellak was responsible for assisting customers with their bathing rituals, which included a series of meticulous body treatments aimed at cleansing and rejuvenating the body.

Role and Responsibilities

The primary duties of a tellak involved guiding the bathers through the various stages of the hamam experience. This began with an exfoliating scrub using a special mitt called a kese. The tellak performed this vigorous scrub to remove dead skin cells and cleanse the pores [9 ][2 ]. After the exfoliation, the tellak would rinse the bather thoroughly with warm water [10 ]. The process was followed by a luxurious foam massage, where the tellak used olive oil soap to create a rich, foamy lather that enveloped the bather [9 ][19 ]. This part of the ritual was not only deeply relaxing but also left the skin feeling soft and revitalized.

Cultural Significance

The tellak was more than just a bath attendant; he was a central figure in the social fabric of the hamam. Historically, tellaks were often migrant workers and bachelors, many of whom were of Albanian origin prior to the Patrona Halil Rebellion in the late eighteenth century [11 ]. They earned their livelihood through tips from customers and lived in the bathhouse, creating a close-knit community among themselves [1 1 ]. The names, physical traits, and origins of many tellaks were meticulously recorded in bathhouse records, such as those from the Çemberlitas Hamami [11 ].

Social and Community Aspects

Beyond their functional role, tellaks contributed to the hamam’s status as a social hub. The hamam was a place where people of all social classes could gather, socialize, and participate in important life rituals free from the distinctions of the outside world [2 ]. This communal environment facilitated bonding and served as a space where both men and women could relax and enjoy a measure of freedom [2 ].

Historical Context

In earlier times, tellaks were required to be handsome, as their appearance was considered to attract more customers to the hamam [20 ]. This aesthetic requirement underscores the cultural importance placed on physical beauty and presentation in the context of the Turkish bath. Additionally, during times of epidemics, bath attendants, including tellaks, took on roles akin to those of doctors, showcasing the multifaceted importance of their work [21 ].

Gender Dynamics in Turkish Baths

Turkish baths, or hammams, typically adhere to a strict gender segregation policy, ensuring privacy and comfort for all bathers[12 ][13 ][17 ]. These facilities often have separate sections for men and women, or they admit different genders at various times of the day, with women’s hours generally being more limited[12 ][17 ][14 ]. The bath attendants are also gender-specific, with male attendants known as tellak serving male bathers, and female attendants called natir serving female bathers[2 ][13 ][22 ][19 ][14 ]. This gender-specific service is a crucial aspect of the hammam experience, ensuring that bathers feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the bathing process[14 ].

The bathing rituals themselves are largely identical for both genders, although certain cultural nuances may vary[13 ]. For example, in some conservative areas, women are less likely to bathe in minimal clothing, while in regions more frequented by tourists, women might have more freedom in their attire[17 ]. Despite these variations, the core components of the bathing ritual, such as the exfoliating scrub with a kese and the foam massage, remain consistent[19 ].

The gender dynamics in Turkish baths also reflect broader social and cultural practices. For instance, these baths serve as important social spaces, especially for women, who often use the time to bond and socialize away from the public eye[21 ][15 ][22 ]. This tradition of communal bathing has deep historical roots, dating back to the Ottoman era, where hammams served as sites for significant life rituals and community interactions[23 ][21 ][15 ].

Body Treatments in Turkish Bath

Turkish baths, or hammams, are a quintessential part of Turkish culture, offering a unique and holistic bathing experience that extends far beyond mere cleanliness. The Turkish bath environment is characterized by high heat and humidity, which helps relax muscles and prepare the body for various treatments[24 ]. This traditional form of hydrotherapy has deep-rooted benefits for physical, mental, and emotional well-being[25 ].

Health Benefits

The health benefits of Turkish baths are numerous. They help relieve stress and tension, improve blood circulation, and unclog pores[25 ]. Regular visits can also boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, which helps ward off common illnesses[26 ]. The heat and humidity of the hammam also aid in detoxifying the body and clearing the respiratory tract[25 ].

Traditional Bathing Ritual

A standard Turkish bath package typically includes 45 minutes of washing, traditional body scrubbing with a handwoven wash cloth known as a kese, a foam wash, and a massage[27 ]. The ritual begins with the visitor being provided with a peshtemal, a thin cotton towel, and a regular towel for use after bathing. Visitors are led into a warm section where they can relax next to a kurna, a small marble basin, and sweat[27 ]. This preparatory phase is crucial for loosening the skin and opening the pores.

Role of the Tellak

In the traditional Turkish bath, a bath attendant known as a tellak performs the scrubbing and washing[24 ]. For men and women, the names of the tellak may differ, but their role remains largely the same: to provide an exfoliating scrub using the kese, followed by a foam massage[24 ]. These services are designed to deeply cleanse the skin, remove dead cells, and improve circulation[28 ].

Varieties of Treatments

Self-Service

In this option, visitors pay only for entrance to the hammam and take responsibility for their own bathing and scrubbing. This self-service option requires visitors to bring their own toiletries[25 ].

Full Turkish Bath

A full Turkish bath experience includes steaming, a bubble bath, and a body scrub, followed by a rejuvenating oil massage[25 ]. This comprehensive service is designed to offer complete relaxation and skin rejuvenation.

Bridal Bath

The Bridal Bath is a special pampering session for brides-to-be, which includes the full Turkish bath experience, a massage, music, and activities to refresh the body and mind[25 ].

Luxurious Experiences

For those seeking a more opulent experience, places like the Cagaloglu Hammam offer specialized treatments like the “Sultan Mahmud the First” package. This includes a 15-minute relaxation in the hot room, a 45-minute massage and bubble bath by two therapists, a 15-minute foot massage, and a collagen face-mask treatment, followed by a 45-minute aromatherapy massage[2 9 ]. The entire ritual is accompanied by treats such as Turkish tea, homemade sherbet, and Turkish delight, making it a truly royal experience[29 ].

Comparisons with Other Cultures

The Turkish bath, or hammam, offers a unique communal bathing experience that has both similarities and differences when compared to the bathing traditions of other cultures.

In the Roman and Byzantine empires, steam baths were predominantly reserved for the elite. Contrarily, the Turkish bath was open to all classes, providing equal access regardless of rank, age, or wealth[30 ]. The Roman baths included multiple rooms with distinct micro-climatic ambiances: the warm room (tepidarium), the hot room (calidarium), and the cold room (frigidarium). These baths served multiple purposes, such as cultural, therapeutic, and social functions, similar to the Anatolian baths[21 ]. Anatolian baths, influenced by various civilizations including Hittitian, Ionian, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Arab traditions, also did not follow a standardized design. The demands of society led to adaptations in the structure and function of these baths[2 1 ]. While Roman baths were used extensively for sporting purposes, Anatolian baths served as centers for culture, social life, and even medical treatments during epidemics, but not for sports[21 ].

In Egypt, the tradition of bathhouses existed long before the arrival of Arab Muslims in the 7th century, with Greek bathhouses being present in Alexandria and other cities. The Islamic period saw the continuation and expansion of bathhouses, which were often built as part of larger religious and civic complexes[17 ]. Meanwhile, in India, the presence of public bathhouses was less prevalent due to the availability of water, leading to fewer public hammams as compared to Middle Eastern and North African regions[17 ].

Persian baths, such as the Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse in Iran, are renowned for their exquisite Persian-style architecture and intricate interior designs featuring glazed tiles and elaborate ceiling patterns[23 ]. These bathhouses provided a serene and tranquil atmosphere, reflecting a rich cultural heritage similar to that found in Turkish baths.

The rituals of the Turkish bath closely resemble the bathing practices of ancient Romans, where the bather progresses through stages of heated rooms, cold water washing, and massage, before finally relaxing in a cooling room[5 ]. This ritualistic approach to bathing underscores the shared cultural significance of hydrothermal practices across various civilizations[31 ].

Contemporary Practices

The contemporary practices of Turkish baths, or hammams, have evolved significantly, blending traditional rituals with modern wellness trends. Turkish baths, once integral to community life and hygiene maintenance, continue to be an essential part of cultural heritage while adapting to modern needs and preferences[16 ][32 ].

Traditional Hammams

Traditional hammams focus on preserving the ancient rituals that have been passed down through generations. These establishments cater mainly to locals and maintain features such as communal spaces and gender-segregated services[9 ]. The experience is designed to provide a sensory immersion into Turkish culture and history, often located close to mosques, reflecting their origins in religious practices of cleansing before prayer[32 ]. The design typically includes several interconnected rooms: a hot room for sweating and relaxing muscles, a warm room for preparation, and a cold room for cooling down, all contributing to a holistic cleansing and relaxing experience[33 ].

Modern Hammams

In response to the growing wellness tourism market, modern hammams have emerged, offering additional amenities to cater to international visitors. These contemporary bathhouses often combine traditional practices with new elements, such as private rooms, luxury massages, and beauty treatments[9 ]. The incorporation of modern design elements, like marble interiors, domed ceilings, and mosaic tiles, creates an aesthetically pleasing environment that enhances the overall experience[18 ]. This blend of tradition and modernity makes the hammam experience more comfortable and appealing to those unfamiliar with the rituals.

Cultural and Wellness Impact

Understanding the various perspectives on Turkish baths allows for a comprehensive analysis of their impact on both cultural preservation and modern wellness trends. Traditional hammams play a crucial role in maintaining cultural heritage, offering a living history lesson and a unique cultural experience[9 ]. Meanwhile, modern hammams contribute to the tourism industry by making traditional practices accessible to a global audience without significantly diluting their authenticity[9 ]. These bathhouses serve as a vital cultural heritage, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in an authentic and revitalizing piece of Istanbul’s history[9 ][15 ].

Government Efforts and Preservation

Recognizing the importance of hamams as cultural heritage, the Turkish government has implemented initiatives to safeguard and preserve these architectural gems. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in collaboration with local authorities, works towards identifying, protecting, and restoring significant hamams[34 ]. Financial support, regulations, and technical expertise are provided to ensure the long-term preservation of hamam heritage. These efforts not only safeguard the physical structures but also promote the continuation of traditional practices within a modern context.