The Hurrem Sultan Hammam, designed by Mimar Sinan, the chief Ottoman architect, was commissioned by Hurrem Sultan (Roxelana), the wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, in the 16th century (1556-1557 AD). Situated between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, this site holds historical significance, once housing the baths of Zeuxippus (100-200 AD) and the Temple of Zeus.
The hammam operated until 1910, later serving as temporary housing for prisoners when Sultanahmet Prison was overcrowded. It was first restored between 1957-1958 and functioned as a carpet exhibition hall until 2007.
Built in the classical Ottoman bath style, the Hurrem Sultan Hammam innovated Turkish bath architecture by aligning the men’s and women’s sections as mirror images along the same axis.
Hurrem Sultan was born in Rohatyn, within the Kingdom of Poland. She entered the Ottoman Palace, starting her life in Sultan Suleiman’s harem, and became one of the few women officially married to an Ottoman Sultan. Her influence on Suleiman extended to the political sphere within the Ottoman court, and she commissioned many public buildings, including the Hurrem Sultan Hammam. She passed away on April 18, 1558, at the age of 52.
The Hurrem Sultan Hammam has preserved its unique structure for 450 years. Commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent and built by Mimar Sinan in 1556, it features a distinctive double bath design spanning 75 meters in length. The restoration project, carried out by Kocaeli University Faculty of Architecture, preserved all original architectural elements using advanced materials and technologies.
Public baths date back to the Romans, who used them for social interaction and pleasure. The Byzantines continued this tradition, influencing Ottoman bath culture. At the height of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul’s neighborhoods each had a hammam. The baths were important for religious reasons, as cleanliness is fundamental in Islam, and served as social hubs for conversation, bathing, and massage.
For over a millennium, the hammam tradition has been vital for cleanliness, health, and social gatherings. The Hurrem Sultan Hammam reinterprets these traditions for modern culture.
Cold Room: Includes a VIP room, changing rooms with security lockers, reception area, massage rooms, a bar, a boutique, and a resting area. Guests change into the pestamal before the hammam ritual and relax here afterward.
Warm Room: Attendants scrub the skin, and visitors can view part of the old heating system.
Hot Room: Features a large marble massage platform under the dome, surrounded by open and private alcoves (halvet). Temperatures range from 42-47 degrees, preparing the skin for the scrub, bubble wash, and massage.
With roots in ancient Rome, the hammam tradition holds significant social and cultural value in Turkish history. Hurrem Sultan Hammam offers a unique experience emphasizing both physical and spiritual cleansing. The hammam features a wide hall, sweating rooms, scrubbing, and foam massage areas, with products specifically manufactured for the Hammam.
Special hammam sessions cater to different needs, from traditional scrubbing and massage to comprehensive experiences with clay masks, aromatherapy, and facial treatments.
• Price: 95 Euro
• Duration: 45 Minutes
• Access to the hammam
• Full body scrubbing
• Relaxing bubble wash on the warm marble stone
• Hair wash with redbud scented shampoo
• Price: 150 Euro
• Duration: 60 Minutes
• Includes all Pir-ü Pak services
• Moisturizing and firming full body clay mask
• Moisturizing face mask
• Price: 190 Euro
• Duration: 80 Minutes
• Includes all Keyf-i Hammam services
• Aromatherapy Massage with redbud scented oil
• Price: 260 Euro
• Duration: 110 Minutes
• Includes all Zevk-i Sefa services
• Organic Lavender Extract and Sea Salt Refreshing hand and foot peeling
• Face massage with organic face oil
• Foot massage with redbud scented oil
• Fresh and dried fruits served on a plate
• Private changing room
• Farewell gift
The Hammam has designated areas for men and women, ensuring services from expert male and female attendants.
The Hurrem Sultan Hammam is open every day from 08:00 to 22:00. Here are some tips on the best times to visit:
Hurrem Sultan Hammam is situated in the Fatih district, close to several other historical landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
Address: Cankurtaran, Ayasofya Meydanı No:2, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul
• By Tram: Take the T1 tram line towards Kabataş. Get off at Sultanahmet stop.
• By Metro: Take the M2 metro line to Vezneciler. Transfer to the T1 tram line at Laleli-Üniversite and get off at Sultanahmet stop.
• By Bus: Take any bus to Eminönü, Beyazıt, or Sultanahmet.
• By Ferry: Ferry from Üsküdar or Kadıköy to Eminönü, then take the T1 tram line towards Bağcılar and get off at Sultanahmet stop.
The Cagaloglu Hammam is centrally located in the historic district of Fatih, surrounded by many notable attractions:
Everyday from 08:00-22:00
Best Tips
The Hurrem Sultan Hammam is a historic Turkish bath, designed by the chief Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan and commissioned by Hurrem Sultan, the wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, in the 16th century.
The Hurrem Sultan Hammam is located between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, Turkey.
You can reach the Hurrem Sultan Hammam by taking the T1 tram line to the Sultanahmet stop, or by taking the M2 metro line to Vezneciler, then transferring to the T1 tram line at Laleli-Üniversite. Buses to Eminönü, Beyazıt, or Sultanahmet and ferries from Üsküdar or Kadıköy to Eminönü followed by the T1 tram also provide easy access.
The Hurrem Sultan Hammam is open every day from 08:00 to 22:00.
The Hurrem Sultan Hammam offers a variety of services, including traditional full body scrubbing, bubble wash rituals, aromatherapy massages, moisturizing clay masks, and more, with sessions ranging from 45 to 110 minutes.
Yes, the Hurrem Sultan Hammam has designated areas for men and women, ensuring services from expert male and female attendants.
For a quieter experience, it is best to visit the Hurrem Sultan Hammam on weekday mornings from Monday to Thursday. Late afternoons to early evenings are also good times, while weekends tend to be busier.
Before visiting, note that male therapists serve males and female therapists serve female guests. Only small bags are allowed, and all packages include a personal care kit. Each experience ends with a cold glass of homemade Ottoman Sherbet.
The Hurrem Sultan Hammam was built in 1556-1557 AD by Mimar Sinan, commissioned by Hurrem Sultan. It features innovative Turkish bath architecture with men’s and women’s sections as mirror images and has been a significant cultural site for over 450 years.
After visiting the Hurrem Sultan Hammam, you can explore nearby attractions such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome of Constantinople, and the Grand Bazaar.
Service prices at the Hurrem Sultan Hammam range from 95 Euro for the 45-minute Pir-ü Pak session to 260 Euro for the 110-minute Ab-i Hayat session.
The Hurrem Sultan Hammam is unique for its historical significance, classical Ottoman bath architecture, and the innovation of aligning men’s and women’s sections on the same axis. It offers a luxurious and authentic Turkish bath experience.
