İstanbul’s Largest Bath: İstanbul University II. Bayezid Turkish Bath (Hamam) Museum

Among the 16th century baths in İstanbul, II. Bayezid Turkish Hamam Culture Museum attracts attention with its spectacular architecture, size and two baths. Bayezid Turkish Hamam Culture Museum exhibits Ottoman-style bath items as well as many Byzantine works. The director of the museum, Yazgülü Turan, gave information about the structure of the Hamam Museum, works in the Museum and the exhibitions organized in the Museum.

Yazgülü Turan said that the II. Bayezid Bath was a part of Beyazit Külliyesi (Beyazıt complex of buildings next to the mosque). Turan added that the Bath was built as a foundation building by II. Bayezid's wife, and Yavuz Sultan Selim’s mother Gulbahar Hatun . The Hamam is also called Hamam-ı Kebir due to its flamboyant structure and striking dimensions. It was restored after it became the property of İstanbul University and started to be used as a museum as of May 26, 2015.

Turan stated that Patrona Halil, the leader of the Patrona Halil rebellion, who caused the end of Lale Devri (Tulip Era) during the Ottoman period worked in this bath, and therefore it is emphasized that the bath was also known as ‘Patrona Bath’.

“The Golden Age of Ottoman Turkish Bath Culture”

Turan said that the baths became a tradition in the Ottoman period and people used this place on special days such as bridal baths. She added that bathing rituals began in ancient Greek time and continued in Rome. They reached the golden age in the Ottoman period.

“Double Hammam Consisting of Men and Women Section”

Saying that the Bath, which has a rectangular structure, is designed as two baths consisting of men’s and women’s section, Yazgülü Turan made the following explanation: “The entrance of men’s section opens to Ordu Street and the entrance of women’s section opens to Kimyager Derviş Pasha Street. Visitors who came to the large domed unit overlooking Ordu Street used to pass to the place where the pre-cleaning, called warmness, was performed after getting undressed and taking towels. Visitors used to have a real bathing here."

"Permanent and Temporary Exhibition Places Are Available”

Turan stated that the Bath became a Museum after it became İstanbul University’s property. The Hamam Museum has two separate exhibition places, permanent and temporary. Turan said, “In the permanent exhibition place, towel sofa covers, clogs, pashtamals, bath bowls, healing bowls, clay pots, combs, and coffee-tea sets and dining sets used by people after the bath, are exhibited here. On the other hand, clay was used in place of shampoo at that time. The column heads, plates brought from the Byzantine Archaeological Museum and the only remains of the monument of Theodosios from the Roman period are also on display.’’

Yazgülü Turan mentioned that the temporary exhibition section of the Museum hosts different exhibitions in various periods. She said, “We also host exhibitions such as İstanbul University exhibitions, Public Education Center (Halk Eğitim Merkezi) exhibitions, evening art schools and the Biennial organized by Fatih Municipality.”

“We Organize Children's Workshops”

Bayezid Hamam took part in different projects, too. Turan said, “All schools within the the scope of “Ministry of National Education and Hygienic Schools Project” visited Hamam Museum. In addition, every year we make a protocol with a school and we host that school in the Museum twice a month within the scope of the project.”