The book Hammam, written by art historian Prof. Dr. Nurhan Atasoy, explores the rich tradition of Ottoman bath culture, starting with Mimar Sinan’s masterpiece, the Hürrem Sultan Bath. The book delves into the central role of baths in Ottoman social life and traces the spread of this tradition to Europe.
Emerging from seven years of meticulous research by art historian Prof. Dr. Nurhan Atasoy, the book Hamam narrates the story of water, purification, and bath culture from the Ottoman era to the present. It provides an in-depth exploration of the history of the Hürrem Sultan Bath—named after one of the most powerful women of the Ottoman period—along with Mimar Sinan’s architectural mastery and the spread of Ottoman bath traditions to Europe.
One of the most elegant structures of Ottoman architecture, the Hürrem Sultan Bath has played a significant role in social life beyond being merely a place for cleanliness and purification. Titled Ayasofya Haseki Hürrem Sultan Bath: Turkish Bath Culture and Its Expansion into Europe, the book offers a detailed examination of this cultural heritage, inviting readers to discover the profound legacy of Ottoman bath traditions.
Prof. Dr. Nurhan Atasoy shares that her deep admiration for the Hürrem Sultan Bath, dating back to her childhood, was the driving force behind writing Hamam. She explains that her passion for art history was also sparked during these early years. Reflecting on the book’s journey, she states:
“My childhood was spent in Sultanahmet. Every day on my way to school, I passed in front of the Ayasofya Hamamı. My admiration for this masterpiece by Mimar Sinan never faded. Years later, when I was asked to write a book about this bath, I couldn’t refuse. I am delighted to have contributed new insights to Ottoman bath culture through this work.”
Published in both Turkish and English, the book provides an in-depth exploration of the origins of Ottoman bath culture, its impact on social life, and its reflections in Europe. At its core lies the life of Hürrem Sultan—one of the most powerful women in Ottoman history—her dedication to bath culture, and the iconic bathhouse built for her by Mimar Sinan. The book is enriched with accounts from Evliya Çelebi, observations of European travelers, and artistic depictions of Ottoman baths, offering a comprehensive perspective on how water and cleanliness became deeply rooted traditions in Ottoman society.
Mehmet Katipzadeler, Chairman of the Board of the Hürrem Sultan Bath, emphasizes the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage:
“Preserving our history and values is of great significance to us. We have always taken pride in maintaining the historical essence of the Hürrem Sultan Bath while sharing it with our guests. Now, being part of this remarkable effort to pass on Ottoman bath culture to future generations is an honor. Hamam will serve as an indispensable reference for anyone interested in history, art, and Ottoman culture.”
More than just a historical and cultural study, Hamam serves as an essential reference for bath architecture and aesthetics. The book thoroughly examines Mimar Sinan’s distinctive architectural approach, the design principles he applied in the 16th-century Hürrem Sultan Bath, and how this structure has been preserved through the centuries. Enriched with archival documents, Ottoman-era illustrations, exclusive photographs sourced from museums, and an extensive review of literature on bath culture, this work offers readers a unique journey through history.
Published by Masa Yayınları, Hamam is available for purchase at the Hürrem Sultan Bath. For those interested in exploring Ottoman bath culture, tracing the legacy of traditional architecture, and understanding the impact of water on civilization, this book is an indispensable resource.
