Türkiye
Economy
Opinion
World
Arts & Life
Sports
Photo
Turkish baths resume to welcome visitors with strict measures
Turkish baths resume to welcome visitors with strict measures
Turkish baths that have been closed for two-and-a-half months reopen as Turkey eases COVID-19 restrictions. (AA Photo)
Turkish bath culture is probably one of the most exciting and beloved traditions in Turkish culture for many tourists, however their operations suspended on March 19 due to the measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Strict rules will now apply in Turkish baths that are glad to host customers after the hiatus. Scrubbing and foam massages will be done only on the body, and face contact will be prohibited.
Hüseyin Yılmaz from the Istanbul Baths Chamber reminded that, in accordance with the new instructions, employees must wear masks and face shields indoors where the temperature often reaches unbearable levels. Employees had to endure these scorching conditions to protect people’s health, he said.
Noting that there are about 300 baths in Istanbul and 30 percent of them have resumed operation, he said that the historical baths can open their doors in mid-June or early July.
“The virus, which dies when we wash our hands for 20 seconds, does not even have the opportunity to live in foamy and hot environment,” said Yılmaz, stressing that foam massage is applied to the human body for 15 minutes in a Turkish bath.
Expressing that historical baths are at least 500 square meters large, Yılmaz claims that four customers in a Turkish bath are not even able to see each other.
The customers will be accepted to Turkish baths after their body temperatures are screened, according to the new rules. They will wash their hair and face and will wrap towels around their bodies without employee assistance.
Disposable pouches, loincloths, towels and slippers will be used in baths.
Yılmaz says that historical baths have already started to receive reservations, especially from Spain and Italy only for bath tourism. The daily use fee per person in Istanbul baths varies between 200 and 350 liras ($30-50).
Compared to Ottoman times, in today’s Turkey people do not use hammams as often as they shower at home.
But a weekly steam and scrub at a hammam or at home was a continuous trend before the pandemic ravaged the world.
ALL PHOTOS
Global South needs $2 trillion a year to tame, cope with climate
Winter arrives in Turkey as snowfall hits metropolises
Kütahya province welcomes winter with snowfall
Ancient Dara captivates tourists
Ancient Patara lures visitors
Enchanting sunset scenery from 'Little Venice'
Blanket of snow covers renowned crater lake
Frozen Lake Çıldır lures visitors
Postcard-like winter views from Turkey's Bitlis
