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Open every day except Mondays between 10.00 and 18.00 |
Located in the Zeyrek residential neighbourhood of Istanbul's Fatih district, The Çinili Hamam is one of the most noteworthy examples of Ottoman hammam architecture. Commissioned by Admiral Barbarossa Hayreddin Pasha between 1540 and 1546, it was one of the earliest hammams designed by chief Ottoman architect, Mimar Sinan. Its distinctive blue-and-white Iznik tiles, damaged in devastating earthquakes and fires during the eighteenth century, were sold off by a Parisian antique dealer and found their way into Europe's most distinguished museums. A few can still be seen in the hot room (caldarium) of the men's section.
After meticulous restoration, begun in 2010, the site will be inaugurated as a hammam-museum complex in 2023. Biennial visitors will have a rare chance to see its hammam sections before it resumes its former function, with its original gender separation, almost 500 years after it first opened. From this enchanting venue, a stroll through its UNESCO World Heritage-listed neighbourhood brings you to the storied Zeyrek Bookstore, where selections from the biennial's 'Poetry Channel' are to be read.
Disabled access unavailable.
Food and beverage facilities unavailable.
Toilets unavailable.
Car parking unavailable.
Photo: Murat Germen
