BATH

 

In Turkish life, baths were not merely places for washing, but centers where health, social, and cultural activities took place. The use of water, a vital human need, for health purposes led to the construction of water-based facilities such as baths and thermal springs. Baths, as one type of structure, primarily cater to people's needs for washing and cleansing. Furthermore, baths have shown architectural variations in accordance with the religious beliefs of societies throughout history and have become an integral part of social life.

 

The word "hamam" (bath) is derived from the Arabic word "hammam" meaning bath and the Hebrew word "hamam" meaning to be hot. In short, a bath can be defined as "a place for washing, purification, and healing."

 

The use of washing in the prevention and treatment of diseases dates back to ancient times. It is known that Roman baths existed as institutions for physical training and treatment in the 4th century BC. These Roman baths, built on quite large areas, were centers not only for cleanliness but also for sporting and cultural activities. Turkish baths are inspired by Roman bath architecture in terms of architectural character, but their main architectural form is derived from Islamic building architecture.