Inspired by Hürrem Sultan: The 'Hamam' book brings Ottoman bath culture to the present day!

One of the most elegant structures of Ottoman architecture, the Hürrem Sultan Hamam has played an important role in Ottoman social life throughout its history, beyond being merely a place for cleansing and purification. 

The work titled "Hagia Sophia Haseki Hürrem Sultan Hamam: Turkish Bath Culture and Its Spread to Europe," which emerged as a result of Prof. Dr. Nurhan Atasoy's 7 years of meticulous research, aims to comprehensively address this cultural heritage and bring it to readers.

INFLUENCED BY HAGIA SOPHIA

Prof. Dr. Nurhan Atasoy states that the deep interest and admiration she felt for the Hürrem Sultan Hamam since her childhood years led her to write this book. 

Expressing that the foundations of her interest in art history were laid during this period, Atasoy describes the process of the book's emergence with these words: 

"My childhood years were spent in Sultanahmet. Every day on my way to school, I would pass in front of the Hagia Sophia Hamam. The admiration I felt for this masterpiece by Mimar Sinan never diminished within me. When I was asked to write a book about this hamam years later, I could not refuse. I am happy to have been able to contribute new information to Ottoman bath culture through this work."

THE BOOK IS READY TO MEET READERS IN TWO LANGUAGES

Prepared in both Turkish and English, the book examines the origins of Ottoman bath culture, its effects on social life, and its reflections in Europe in detail.

THE 'HÜRREM SULTAN HAMAM' WAS THE SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

The life of Hürrem Sultan, one of the most powerful female figures in Ottoman history, the importance she placed on bath culture, and the Hürrem Sultan Hamam that Mimar Sinan built for her are at the center of this study. 

Supported by the accounts of Evliya Çelebi, the observations of European travelers, and artists' depictions of baths, the work reveals how the understanding of water and cleanliness became a tradition in the Ottoman Empire.

Mehmet Katipzadeler, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hürrem Sultan Hamam, expresses his thoughts on this study as follows: "Protecting our history and our values and preserving them is very important to us. We have always been happy to bring the Hürrem Sultan Hamam to our guests while preserving its historical texture. 

IT WILL TRANSFER OTTOMAN CULTURE TO FUTURE GENERATIONS

Now, we are proud to be a part of this great effort to pass on Ottoman bath culture to future generations. 'HAMAM,' a gift to our cultural heritage, will be an indispensable reference source for everyone interested in history, art, and Ottoman culture.”

The book is not only a historical and cultural study but also an important resource in terms of bath architecture and aesthetics. It comprehensively examines Mimar Sinan's unique architectural approach, the design principles he applied in the Hürrem Sultan Hamam built in the 16th century, and how this structure has reached the present day. 

Supported by archival documents, illustrations from the Ottoman period, special photographs obtained from museums, and an extensive literature review on bath culture, the work offers readers a unique journey through history.

News Source: 12punto