What it is, why it works, and what to expect the first time.
The kese is a rough, woven mitt used to exfoliate the skin after the body has been warmed in the hot room. It is one of the oldest and most recognizable parts of the hamam ritual — and, for first-time visitors, often the most surprising.
Before the kese is used, the body spends time in the warm and hot rooms. The heat opens the pores and softens the outer layer of skin, which is what allows the scrub to remove it so effectively — without the harshness it would have on cold, unprepared skin.
An attendant works in firm, even strokes across the arms, legs, back, and torso. It can feel intense for a few seconds at first, but most guests describe it as satisfying rather than uncomfortable — and the visible result, fine rolls of exfoliated skin, is part of why it's trusted after five centuries.
Hand-whipped foam follows, rinsing away the exfoliated skin and leaving a layer that feels noticeably softer within minutes. Most guests then move to the rest hall for tea — the quiet close to an intentionally physical ritual.
Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Hamamı is open every day. The men's section operates 08:00–23:00, and the women's section 09:00–21:00. The recommended last reservation time is 21:30 for men and 19:30 for women, to allow time for the full ritual.
Outside food and drink are not permitted in the hamam. In line with hygiene rules, no food or drink is served in the warm or hot rooms — guests may order from our menu in the resting area (soğukluk). Photos and videos may only be taken in the resting area, without disturbing other guests or including them in the shot, and in keeping with the general rules of a public establishment.
At Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Hamamı, men and women are served in separate sections — though we'd like to remind you that bathing in a hamam is, at heart, a shared experience, carried on the same way for centuries.
Hamam treatments are not recommended for guests with heart or vascular conditions, high or low blood pressure, respiratory conditions (asthma, bronchitis, COPD), diabetes, or a urinary tract infection, or for guests who have recently had surgery or are undergoing cancer treatment. Guests with severe skin conditions such as burns or allergies, open wounds, or epilepsy are unable to make use of our services. Pregnant guests are advised not to enter the hamam. Drinking alcohol, or arriving very hungry or very full, before your visit are also worth keeping in mind for your health.
You can safely store your personal belongings throughout your hamam experience in the lockable cabinet assigned to you.
For your comfort, everything you might need — peştamal, slippers, towels, shampoo, and other personal care items — is provided at the hamam. If you prefer, you're welcome to bathe in your own swimsuit or bikini. You're also welcome to bring your own personal care products and use your own shampoo and soap in the washing area.
We recommend arriving 15 minutes before your reservation time, so you can settle in comfortably before your ritual begins. From the moment you enter, our staff will guide you throughout. A full hamam experience — including washing and resting time — takes approximately 90 minutes; we kindly ask that you book your reservation with this duration in mind.
