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Baths are very special buildings of Istanbul dating back to Roman and Byzantine periods. Apart from its natural aim, Baths have played an important role in social life of the Ottoman period. At weddings and Bayrams Baths were places of attraction of ceremonies and traditional entertainment.
Women with neighbourhoods and friends spent all the day at Baths and turned day to a festivity, singing and dancing. Although Baths have lost these social attractions, they still have succeeded to become points of interest especially for visitors of Istanbul.
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Cagaloglu Hamam
Located in Cagaloglu on the right side of the Yerebatan (Basilica cistern) Street , these Baths were built by Sultan Mahmud I in 1741 to provide revenue for Hagia Sophia Mosque. The architect is unknown. Cagaloglu hamam is a double hamam with section for both men and women. It was unique in its emloyment of Baroque and Classic Ottoman architectural motifs and was the last of the great hamams to be built before their construction was forbidden by Sultan Mustafa III in 1768, owing to the increasing needs for water and wood in Istanbul.
Cemberlitas Hamam
The Cemberlitas Hamam is located on the Divanyolu near the Cemberlitas (Banded Column). Ot was built by Sultan Murat III’s mother, Nurbanu Sultan in 1584 to provide a source of revenue for the Atik Valide Mosque Complex in Uskudar. Its architect was Sinan. It was originally built as a double hamam both men and women seperate sections. But during the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz (1841-1824) part of the women’s section was destroyed to allow for the widening nearby road. As a result only the men’s section is in use today. Cemberlitas hamami is one of the well preserved historical baths of Istanbul. Today, it is open for visitors with both men’s and women’s sections.
Eski Hamam
Located in the entrance to Dari Street, where Dogancilar Street and Uncular street intersect in Uskudar, is the Eski Hamam. While the architect and the year in which was built are unknown, certain evidence points to it having built int the 15th century. Also known as the Sifa (Cure) Hamam, it has seperate sections for men and women. Both sections are in use today. Although the oldest hamam in Uskudar, it has still managed to retain its original appearance.
Galatasaray Hamam
The Galatasaray Hamam is located in Galatasaray at the junction of Turnacibasi and Capanoglu streets. It was built in 1715 as a public Bath in line with classical Turkish hamam architectural design. It underwnet renovation in 1965 and while its main structure remained intact, its architectural details and interior portions were redesignated and as such it has lost some of its historic attraction. Functionally, though, a women’s section was added during the renovations in 1965 and the hamam is still operating. Well maintained up to the present day, it caters for both locals and foreign tourists.
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