Traditionally, every mosque had a hamam included in or around its complex of buildings. Aya Sofya was no exception and this elegant symmetrical building known as the Haseki Hurrem Hamamı or Hurrem Sultan Hamami designed by Sinan in 1556 – 1557 was built just across the road from the great mosque by Suleyman  in the name of his wife Hurrem Sultan, known to history as Roxelana. The hamam was one of 32 designed by Sinan and is widely thought to be his best. It operated until 1910,then housed a carpet shop run by the Ministry of Culture and now commissioned in 2008 with a build-operate-transfer model restored according to original features by a huge investment.

Hurrem Sultan Hamami designed as a ‘double hamam’ with identical baths for men and women the center wall dividing the two has now been breached by small doorway. Both sides have separate entrances and the three traditional rooms: first the square camekan for disrobing (the men’s side has a pretty marble fountain and stained-glass windows); then the long soğukluk, usually a passageway but also sometimes for washing; and finally the octagonal hararet for sweating, massage and more washing. The most impressive features are the domes with their star-like apertures. Also of note are the four semiprivate washing rooms in the hararet, as well as the central göbektaşı ( belly stone) in the men’s bath, which is inlaid with coloured marble. In all, the place gives a good idea of how hamams are set up – perfect for those not convinced that they want to bare all in one of the city’s still-functioning establishments.

In order to serve in a timely manner we kindly ask you to be present at the hamam 15 minutes prior to your reservation.

Disposable slippers , clean towels and peshtamals will be provided during treatment.

For the safety we do not allow people with heart conditions, pregnant women and women on their period to use the hamam.

Children under the age of 6 are not allowed to use the hamam.

Our guests under the age of 18 can experience the hammam with an adult.