An Ottoman bath, also known as a "Turkish bath" or hamam, was a significant social and hygienic institution in the Ottoman Empire.
Here's a breakdown of what constitutes an Ottoman bath:
- Central Chamber: The core of the hamam is a central chamber designed for relaxation and sweating. This chamber typically features a heated marble slab.
- Heated Slab: This heated slab of stone, called the göbektaşı (literally "belly stone"), is where bathers would lie down to sweat and allow their pores to open, enabling a deep cleanse.
- Cool Room: After sweating, bathers move to a cooler room within the hamam to wash themselves with cold water. This contrast in temperature is considered beneficial for circulation and overall well-being.
In essence, the hamam (or "Turkish bath") functions as a social hub and bathing ritual with roots in the Ottoman era, involving a specific process of sweating on a heated stone slab, followed by washing in a cooler environment.
