The number of the most interesting and unusual museums in Turkey exceeds all imaginable limits. In each city, there are several museums, among which there are truly unique. Turkish museums seem to prove to everyone that museums are not boring. One such museum is the Hammam Museum (Turkish Bath Museum) in the city of Gaziantep.
This museum is interesting to local, but more to foreign tourists who want to learn about the culture of the Turkish baths as much as possible. Of course, the easiest way to learn about this tradition is to visit the hammam. However, the museum will tell about the history of this action, its basic rules and techniques.
History of Hammam Museum
The Hammam building, which today houses the museum, was built on the orders of Lala Mustafa Pasha in 1577. From the very first day of its existence, the hammam served its intended purpose, i.e. as a public Turkish bath. It should be understood that the Turkish hammam is not just a place for bathing or cleansing the body. First, a visit to the hammam is communication, exchange of news, long tea drinking, search for a bride or groom, and much more. Here people solved their vital issues, discussed various topics from politics to sports.
Over time, the building became obsolete, and then became unusable. In 2015, the municipality of Gaziantep began restoration work and turned the former Turkish bath into the Hammam Museum. Many parts of the museum remained intact in order to maintain the culture of the Turkish bath, preserve and pass it on to new generations.
The museum is open every day of the week from 08:30 am to 5:30 pm. Entrance fee is 2 TL.
How to get to Hammam Museum
Hammam Museum is located in the center of Gaziantep. Therefore, if you are already in the center, you can reach the museum on foot. From other parts of the city, you can do it by taxi or public transport. The nearest transport stops to the museum are:
- Bus stop Tislaki Mahallesi;
- Bus stop Seferpasa Mahallesi;
- Tram station Muammer Aksoy Blv.;
- Tram station Istasyon Caddesi.
Nearest hotels to Hammam Museum
Near the Hammam Museum, you can comfortably stay in many hotels. You can choose either a budget option or luxury rooms from well-known hotel brands. Among them:
- GAP Otel
- Gaziantep Pamuk City Hotel
- Utkubey Otel
- Yunus Hotel
- Otel Petek
Nearest restaurants to Hammam Museum
After walking around the city and visiting the sights, in the center of Gaziantep quite a lot, you probably want to relax and have a snack. You can do this in one of the nearest cafes or restaurants to Hammam Museum. Among them:
- Metanet Lokantasi
- Kebapci Halil Usta
- Bayazhan
- Akinal Gar Restoran
