Image – Men’s Hot Room, Zeyrek Çinili Hamam, Photograph – İbrahim Özbunar, Courtesy of Zeyrek Çinili Hamam
Istanbul’s Landmark Zeyrek Çinili Hamam was reopened for bathing on 3rd May 2024, following a 13-year-long restoration by The Marmara Group. A famous historical landmark in Istanbul, the hammam was commissioned by Hayreddin Barbarossa, the Grand Admiral of the Ottoman Navy, and built between 1530 and 1540 by Mamar Sinan at the height of the Ottoman Empire. The iconic site is located in the Zeyrek District in Istanbul, which is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
This cultural landmark has now been restored and visitors can experience the traditional ritual amidst grand and opulent interiors. The site also features custom-made furniture such as marble massage units by artist Theodore Psychoyos, making for a contemporary twist on the traditional bathing experience. Revered designer Hussein Chalayan has created a bespoke collection for visitors which includes peshtemal towels and nalıns (clogs), as well as clothing with motifs inspired by the designs of the building. Exclusively designed ceramics from Santimere Studios will also be used to serve traditional refreshments and house sherbets made of seasonal fruits.
Image – Women’s Cold Room, Zeyrek Çinili Hamam, Photograph – İbrahim Özbunar, Courtesy of Zeyrek Çinili Hamam
Originally a double bath with two sections designed for men and women respectively, both sections feature unique designs. The conservation efforts have led to the restoration of many existing features in the building, including fragments of intricate Iznik tiles, wall paintings, and the hammam’s hidden Byzantine cisterns. Now, access to both men’s and women’s sections will be on rotation, enabling everyone to discover these details.
The hammam offers many signature bathing experiences spanning 25 to 100 minutes. ‘The Original’ is a modern interpretation of a ritual that originally dates back centuries. The communal ritual is known to have healing and immune-boosting properties and offers spiritual purification and relaxation. Other offerings include bridal baths for those looking to uphold the tradition of bathing as a bridal party ahead of the ceremony.
Image – Ceiling of Men’s Hot Room, Zeyrek Çinili Hamam, Photograph – İbrahim Özbunar, Courtesy of Zeyrek Çinili Hamam
The venue also offers the option to host private or corporate events in the garden that overlooks the dome and the interiors. Additionally, there is also a contemporary art trail, located within the Zeyrek Çinili Hamam complex, set to grow over the years. From a marble sculpture made by New York-based Turkish artist Elif Uras, and installations from artists such as Ayça Telgeren, and Adrian Geller, the works are curated in a way that reflects the illustrious history of the hammam. There is also a purpose-built museum outside the hammam, which opened in September 2023, also exploring the site’s history. Featuring archaeological discoveries during the restoration such as Iznik tiles and Byzantine artifacts that date back to the 5th century AD, the curation is a look back into the role of bathing in Ottoman history. It also explores how the hammam acted as a key social space, particularly for women.
