Belly Dance by Amaryllis Salome' Carter

Did you know...That Turkish Baths date back as far as records show during and prior to the reign of the Ottoman Empire?

Turkish Baths (known as hammam in Arabic) is a variant of a steam bath.  Playing an important role in the cultures of the Middle East, Turkish Baths were the setting to many a good gossip and  war strategy.  Used not only as a mode of relaxation and cleansing, Turkish Baths were a social hot spot.

Turkish Baths had a very express purpose and a specific routine that was followed.  The purpose was not only to cleanse the body, but also to relax and even enjoy some *ahem* intimate pleasures. 

Traditionally, tellak (masseurs) were young boys trained in all aspects of cleansing, massaging and accommodating their clients pleasurable desires.  The routine of a Turkish Bath was run by the tellak much like a spa would be run today.  The movement of clients from room to room for specific needs.  Upon entering a Turkish Bath, a client would be taken to what was know as a warm room - heated by a continuous flow of hot and dry air, perspiration would begin.  The client would then be moved to what was known as the hot room - heated by moist, hot air, perspiration would continue.  After the dry and moist sauna, the client would be taken to a cold water pond or tub to be splashed by chilled water.  The full body wash and scrub would begin and then the rinsing would follow.  After the rinse, the client would receive a full body massage.  Having been properly pampered, it was then time for the client to relax in a cooling room prior to dressing and going about their day.

Though traditionally, Turkish Baths were for the wealthy and elite of the empire, public baths offering similar service were opened allowing the more common citizen to enjoy the delights offered at the Turkish Baths.

Through travel to the Middle East, the tradition of Turkish Baths has been brought to Eastern and Western Europe.  Bath houses can be found easily and are affordable to enjoy.  Through the centuries, the basic concepts of the Turkish Bath have been modified and have traveled far wider then I am sure the elite of the Ottoman Empire could have ever imagined.  Just looking through the online directories for your city will find Spa's for every kind of clientèle.