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Speaking of places like Turkey that are famous for their rich cultures, it is impossible to put the rituals that give the country a certain identity behind. Turkish bath is one of the most important of them and especially the Kalkan Turkish bath is very well-known.
In this article, we are going to talk about the best Turkish baths in Kalkan and dig a little deeper to find many fascinating elements regarding Turkish bath rituals.
All about Kalkan
Kalkan, a town in Antalya province, is a lovely destination for tourists who are ready to enjoy the Mediterranean coast breezes, fantastic beaches, historical places, and of course a Turkish bath!
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Although there is a range of fun activities to do while staying in Kalkan, from watching the sunset on a Gulet cruise, kayaking, or riding a jet ski to visiting ancient places such as the ghost village and Lycian site of Arycanda, the Turkish bath is still the one main reason that makes people visit Kalkan. So, let’s see what a Turkish bath is and where it stems.
ٌWhat is the history of the Turkish bath?
Before we jump into talking about Kalkan Turkish bath, we need to define what a Turkish bath represents and where it comes from. Turkish bath which is also called “Hammam” has roots in Roman thermae but after the Ottoman rise, an Islamic taste was added to the rituals and some differences were made.
For example, in Islam, ablution is taken seriously for both cleansing and spiritual purposes and it is only possible in flowing water, so the pools in ancient Roman baths containing standing water which is believed to be unclean for these purifying purposes were later replaced by taps.
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The first Hammams in Islam belong to the 7th century and there are many examples in Turkey, such as in Bursa that is still in use and was never closed. These places were separated by gender and soon became a great place for people especially women to socialize and have fun together. However, some of the wealthy people refused to use public bathhouses and built their private Hammams.
At the beginning of the 20th century, plumbing came along and made every family have access to a place for hygiene at home, So Hammams seemed to be unnecessary and many were abandoned.
On the other hand, some of them survived because the rituals of the Turkish bath were and are still a magnet attracting both Turkish people and visitors, particularly the Turkish bath in Kalkan.
Ancient Turkish baths in Turkey
It is neglecting to talk about Hammams and leave their architecture behind. The most famous architect who designed many Hammams in the Ottoman era was Mimar Sinan. The best example that reflects his work is Heseki Hurrem Sultan Hammam which was designed for Hurrem Sultan in 1556 in Istanbul near Hagia Sophia.
Other examples of ancient Hammams in Turkey are:
- The Tahtakale Hammam built in 1454 in Istanbul
- The Bayezid 2nd Hammam built in 1500 in Istanbul
- The Orhan Bey Hammam built in 1339 in Bursa
- The Karacabey Hammam built in 1444 in Ankara
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Turkish bath terminology
Before we get to the main ritual, it is necessary to know what accessories are used and who you a dealing with in a Turkish bath to avoid any surprise.
Pestemal is a Turkish bath
A thin cloth made from cotton or silk to cover the body.
Nalin is a Turkish bath
Clogs made of wood to help you not slip and fall on the floor
Kese
A mitt that is rough enough to remove dead skin
Tilak
This term is not used widely now and it means the masseur or attendant who takes care of you in a traditional bath.
Sicaklik
The main room is a hammam made from marble which has a heating stone in its center called Gobektasi.
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The Order of a Turkish bath ritual
Turkish bath has many steps and takes place in different rooms. To walk you through the experience, below are the steps of a traditional Turkish bath:
Undressing
First, you will be guided to a changing room where you need to disrobe and then wrap yourself with Pestemal.
Heating up process
The journey inside a Hammam is a progression from a cold room to a hot room. In the hot room which is like a steam room or a sauna, the pores in your body will open and makes you ready for detoxification and dead skin removal.
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Then you will be guided to Sicaklik or the marble main room, where you can lie on hot marble for about 15 minutes or wash your body with the running hot water coming from the taps.
Kese
An exfoliating foam massage is performed by the attendant using a mitt to remove dead skin cells by scrubbing. You will find yourself in bubbles while somebody is massaging you in a hot environment. Keep in mind to tell the attendant if you have sensitive skin and bring your bathing accessories for that matter.
Washing off
You will then need to rinse the foam off your skin using semi-warm or cool water and if you want, attendants can wash your hair and also give you a head massage.
Refreshing your body
There is a lounging place to stay after the bath experience where you will receive complimentary tea or juice, and the purpose is to wait for your temperature to decline and match the outside atmosphere. In between, you can get a face mask of any kind, especially clay masks are popular. Also, here is where you can tip your attendant and thank him or her for a weight that he lifted from your body.
A few tips about the Turkish bath experience
- Remember to drink enough water and fluids during the experience as the steam makes you lose body fluid by sweating.
- If you have sensitive skin, bring your soap and shampoo, and inform the attendant of your skin type.
- Never enter a Hammam with a full stomach, as the heat and massage might make you feel nauseated after a meal.
- Bring your friends and family members with you so you can have a great time together.
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Merging Traditional Turkish baths with spa and well-being centers
Nowadays, these two terms are mixed and Spas provide Turkish bath experiences in Turkey, especially Kalkan Turkish baths. There are places where you can have a Turkish bath alongside hot stone medical massages, sports massages, relaxing massages, reflexology of the foot, and even beauty services such as manicure and pedicure, and face care.
Also, many of these Turkish baths in Kalkan, offer packages that include a Turkish bath and massages together with pick-ups so your experience would be as convenient as possible.
Kalkan offers two different kinds of Turkish baths and spas, the one in hotel spas that have Hammams which is a good choice for people who want to dedicate a whole day to the experience, and the independent ones outside your residence that take only a small portion of your timeline.
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Best Turkish baths in Kalkan
Looking for a Turkish bath in the experience? Search no more! Below you can find the best Turkish baths in Kalkan.
Atlantis Turkish bath and spa in Kalkan
A center to relax with a super friendly team that makes your Turkish bath experience in Kalkan magical and memorable.
Arcadia Turkish bath and spa in Kalkan
A full Turkish bath ceremony with other options such as oil massages and beauty services. Getting a package is recommended in Arcadia to enjoy all that this place has to offer.
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Pirat Sultan Hammam in Kalkan
Seeking a traditional Turkish bath experience in the hands of professional and welcoming staff? Here is the place for you.
Turkish bath at Regency Hotel in Kalkan
If you are free and have a whole day to relax, visit this hotel in Kalkan or even better, stay in it! Because when you go in, you will be too relaxed to want to come out.
How much does a Turkish bath in Kalkan cost?
As mentioned earlier, you can decide whether you want to only experience a Turkish bath in Kalkan or you need to go further and book a package to enjoy this revitalizing time the most.
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To help you make the best decision, here are the approximate prices of each:
Turkish bath price in Kalkan
It takes 45 minutes to complete a traditional Turkish bath and it costs around 15 euros.
Of course, adding other services increases the price. Such as 5 euros for foot care or salt scrub, 20 euros for a 30-minute full body massage, and 25 euros for a 60-minute aroma massage.
Also, to lower the prices, even more, you can choose from the wonderful packages that these places offer.
For example, if you chose a Turkish bath, face mask, and a 20-minute shoulder, and back massage package, you will enjoy this additional care by paying 30 euros which is much less than if you are doing them individually.
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Trust us and relax your muscles
Even talking about the best Turkish baths in Kalkan made me feel relaxed and clean! Can you imagine how the experience itself would be?!
It is funny how a place can put in itself so much excellent stuff such as a great historical sense, perfect marble designs, services that make you feel like you are much lighter, and a fine story of something that you are not going to find in anywhere but Turkey. Keep calm and see you in Kalkan.
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