Traditionally known as a place of public bathing associated with the culture of the Ottoman Empire, the Turkish Bath or Hamam focuses on water to create a relaxing, steamy atmosphere to cleanse the body and eliminate toxins.
Bathers often relax in a warm room before moving to a hotter room before splashing themselves with cold water. A full body wash and massage follows before a final period of refreshment in a cooling room.
Benefits are said to include improved blood circulation and digestion, relief of muscle pain and reduction in stress levels, plus the treatment is also recommended for some skin conditions and to alleviate respiratory problems.