Turkish Bath

Turkish Baths are very popular areas that many people use to clean and have a good time. Spending time in the hammam after a tiring day is a very relaxing and enjoyable experience. Turkish bath and massage are two inseparable subjects. The high humidity and temperature ratios in Turkish baths provide softening of the skin and easy removal of dirt and dead skin. After staying in the Turkish bath for a certain period of time, extra cleaning and relaxation is provided with scrub and massage applications.

HISTORY OF TURKISH BATH

Public bathing areas were very popular in the Roman and Greek worlds, and these structures were common in civilizations around the Mediterranean. These structures were built almost everywhere within the borders of the Roman Empire. At that time, people used these structures for both cleaning and socializing purposes. After the division of the Roman Empire into two, these structures continued to be built during the Byzantine Empire. However, by the 6th century, Byzantium began to decline slowly and the construction of these structures stopped over time. Then, during this period, Islam began to spread rapidly and to influence the Middle East and North Africa regions. Developing Islamic civilizations immediately adopted these structures from the Roman, Greek, and Byzantine civilizations. Cleaning, which is an important issue in Islam, was provided more easily with these structures. In addition to the cleaning provided in the baths, it was believed that the use of baths had healing properties in this period. By the 11th century, the dominant power in the region was the Seljuk Empire. During this period, Byzantine, Turkish and Iranian cultures in Anatolia began to intertwine and influence each other. The use of baths in Turkish society began to spread during this period. However, since the Turkish communities living in the region still have a semi-nomadic lifestyle, this spread took place very slowly. The use of baths became very common in the Ottoman Empire, which became the most important power in the region after the Seljuks. Turkish bath models as we know them today also emerged in this period. Important features of Ottoman architecture were added to the bath structure, which was taken from Roman, Greek, Arab and Iranian cultures. The first examples of Turkish baths open to the public in the 15th century emerged during the Ottoman period. Afterwards, these structures were built in many regions under Ottoman rule. The spread of these structures, first to Eastern Europe and then to Central Europe, took place during the Ottoman period.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TURKISH BATH?

There are many reasons why Turkish baths, which are widely preferred by users, are so popular. First of all, these areas, which have been used collectively throughout history, have ensured the spread of cleaning and hygiene habits to all segments of the society. Thus, we can say that even preventable epidemic diseases with adequate cleaning have been reduced. In addition to this, there are many benefits of Turkish bath today. We can list some of the benefits of the Turkish bath as follows:
* First of all, Turkish baths are areas with high temperature levels. Spending time in these areas provides relaxation in the body and reduces stress. Thanks to the hot air, the tension in the muscles of the people who spend time in Turkish baths is reduced. Thus, the use of Turkish bath can help reduce problems such as stress and anxiety.
* Another feature of Turkish baths is that they are areas with high humidity. Therefore, when enough time is spent in these areas, it becomes easier to remove dirt and dead skin from the body. Because in Turkish baths, the moisture in the air penetrates into the pores of the skin, relaxing and opening these pores. Thus, it becomes easier to get rid of dirt and to clean the body. When we add the scrubbing process, which is frequently used in Turkish baths, to this, body cleaning is provided effectively.
* Although today, maintaining body hygiene is easily accomplished in private bathrooms in our homes, but throughout history this was not possible. Turkish baths were an important building for people to provide personal hygiene throughout the history in our geography.
* It is thought that Turkish baths have various effects in terms of physical health as well as cleaning and hygiene. Spending time in the Turkish bath, which is a very hot and humid area, can have many benefits in terms of joint health. In addition, the pleasant time spent in Turkish baths can also be psychologically beneficial.
* Spending time in Turkish baths causes high amount of sweating due to temperature and humidity. In addition, due to the same reasons, the use of Turkish bath enlarges the vessels and accelerates blood circulation. Thus, toxins in the body are effectively removed by the use of Turkish bath.
* Finally, it is thought that the use of Turkish bath affects skin health positively and prevents the formation of cellulite. Therefore, Turkish bath makes it possible to have a younger and healthier looking skin.