The Turkish bath step by step: a first-timer’s guide
From the marble platform to the scrub, foam and rest — what happens in a hammam and how to prepare.
The Turkish bath is a centuries-old tradition, but not knowing what to expect can make a first visit feel daunting. Here is how a hammam visit at MLS unfolds, step by step.
1. Arrive and change
Arrive 10–15 minutes before your appointment. In the changing room you wrap yourself in a peştemal and leave your valuables safely.
2. Warm up
The heart of the hammam is the göbek taşı, a heated marble platform. Lying on the warm stone for a few minutes opens the pores and prepares the skin for the scrub. You can also warm up in the sauna or steam room first.
3. The scrub
Your attendant scrubs your whole body with a textured mitt called a kese. The amount of dead skin that comes off may surprise you — this is perfectly normal and one of the most satisfying parts of the hammam.
4. The foam
A cotton bag is dipped in soapy water, filled with air and squeezed over you in a cloud of foam. After a light foam massage you are rinsed with warm water.
5. Rest
Don’t rush afterwards. A glass of water or tea helps your body settle. In our packages this part comes with a clay mask and a complimentary drink.
A few tips
- Avoid a heavy meal just before the hammam.
- Drink plenty of water.
- If you have blood pressure issues, a heart condition or are pregnant, consult your doctor first and let us know.
If you would like to combine the hammam with a massage, have a look at our packages.
