History of the Turkish bath
The Turkish bath, or "steam bath", has roots not only in Ottoman tradition but also in Roman culture, from which it draws inspiration while differentiating itself from the Moroccan or Middle Eastern hammam in some key aspects.
During the Roman Empire, public baths, known as Thermae, were central places in social, political, and cultural life. With the expansion of the Ottoman Empire, many of these practices were adopted and adapted, giving rise to the Turkish bath as we know it today. Historically, the Turkish bath was designed to be a space of pure sweating, characterized by high humidity and temperatures reaching 40-50°C (104-122°F). This environment is optimal for cleansing the respiratory system, purifying the skin, and relaxing muscles, promoting intense detoxification and psychophysical well-being.
The hammam, on the other hand, often incorporates various degrees of heat, massages, and exfoliation rituals that help to exfoliate the skin, improving circulation. These baths are typically segmented into different rooms with increasing temperatures. Used for centuries as a place of gathering and socialization, as well as a space dedicated to body and spiritual care, the hammam was often located near mosques and played an essential role in ritual preparation before prayer. These spaces were not only intended for men but also for women, who had access during specific hours or in separate facilities, where they could focus on their well-being in a social context. People from all social classes frequented these baths to purify themselves, relax, and discuss business or personal matters.
Both bath systems offer therapeutic and social benefits, but the Turkish bath and its variants laconicum, calidarium, and tepidarium stand out for their focus on steam saturation, offering a deep relaxation experience and continuous purification in a warm and humid environment.
Today, the Turkish bath is considered a luxury experience and a well-being ritual spread worldwide, maintaining its millennia-old benefits for mind and body.
TEMPERATURE
The average temperature
is between 40°C and 50°C
HUMIDITY
The average humidity
is 100%
Steam bath
The Turkish bath is an ancient wellness practice dating back to Roman times and later spreading throughout the Ottoman Empire. This purification ritual operates at temperatures between 40°C and 50°C (104°F to 122°F) with humidity reaching 100%, offering benefits such as improved circulation and detoxification. The Turkish bath is perfect for those seeking deep relaxation and skin health. The relatively low temperatures and high humidity create the ideal environment for the use of scrubs, leaving the skin soft and rejuvenated through treatments.
TEMPERATURE
The average temperature
is between 50°C and 70°C
HUMIDITY
The average humidity
is between 5% and 10%
Laconicum
The laconicum is an ancient Roman sauna, carefully designed for relaxation through dry heat. Traditionally, temperatures in a Laconicum can exceed 60°C (140°F), with relatively low humidity, creating an ideal and rejuvenating environment to stimulate sweating and purify the body. This practice not only promotes detoxification and muscle relaxation but also significantly improves blood circulation, offering substantial and significant health benefits. The heat is radiated from the benches, walls, and floor, making the entire experience even more effective and enjoyable.
TEMPERATURE
The average temperature
is between 40°C and 50°C
HUMIDITY
The average humidity
is between 80% and 100%
Calidarium
The calidarium is an essential element of Roman Baths, known for its high temperatures and elevated humidity levels. Very similar to the Turkish bath, the calidarium reaches temperatures up to 50°C (122°F) with humidity that can approach nearly 100%, creating an optimal environment for body purification and deep muscle relaxation. This space was traditionally used to promote blood circulation and facilitate detoxification through sweating, offering profound and lasting health benefits, including improved metabolism and mental relaxation.
TEMPERATURE
The average temperature
is between 35°C and 40°C
HUMIDITY
The average humidity
is between 20% and 30%
Tepidarium
The tepidarium represents the transition room in ancient Roman Baths, known for its warm yet comfortable atmosphere. With temperatures around 38°C (100°F) and moderate humidity, the tepidarium offers a relaxing and healthful environment. This space was designed to gradually acclimate the body to the increasing heat of the baths, stimulating circulation and relaxing muscles without excessive sweating, making it ideal for prolonged relaxation and rejuvenation. The intricate decorations and colorful frescoes on the walls added elegance and beauty to the refined environment.
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