Other articles/Hammam at home

Hammam, also known as a Turkish bath or an Arab bath, has a long history dating back to ancient Rome and the Byzantine Empire. However, the concept of bathing in public bathhouses was mainly introduced and developed in the Middle East and North Africa.

The use of hammams goes beyond just cleansing the body; it also has social and cultural significance. It is a place where people gather, relax and pamper themselves. The hammam provides a place for both physical and mental rejuvenation and is often considered a sacred retreat.

The hammam ritual usually starts with entering a warm and humid room. This creates an environment in which the body can relax and open the pores. The heat also helps relax muscles and release tension.

After a period of warming up, one usually goes to a cooler room where they are washed and scrubbed. Traditional hammams often have special lifeguards or bathwomen who perform these tasks. They use a special soap, usually olive oil soap, to thoroughly cleanse and exfoliate the body using a kese, a kind of exfoliating glove.

The scrubbing has both physical and symbolic meanings. Physically, it helps to remove dead skin cells and renew the skin, leaving soft and radiant skin. Symbolically, scrubbing represents the release of negative energies, worries and stress, leaving one feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

Exfoliation is often followed by a massage with aromatic oils, which helps to further relax the muscles and stimulate blood circulation. This contributes to a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.

The hammam ritual usually ends with a period of rest and relaxation, during which one can enjoy a cup of tea and come to oneself. This is a time to reflect, meditate and calm the senses after the physical cleansing.

Hammams have a long tradition of hospitality and are often considered an important part of the local culture. They provide an opportunity for people to meet, socialize and share stories. Hammams are also places where families and communities come together, where young and old meet and where traditions are passed on.

Today, hammams are appreciated all over the world as oases of relaxation and well-being. They offer an escape from the daily stress and hectic pace of modern life. Whether it is about experiencing an authentic hammam in the Middle East or enjoying a hammam treatment in a wellness