Hammam is the traditional Turkish bath, distinguished by a focus on water, as distinct from ambient steam.
The Turkish bath starts with relaxation in a room,known as the warm room, that is heated by a continuous flow of hot, dry air, allowing the bather to perspire freely. Bathers may then move to an even hotter room before they wash in cold water. After performing a full body wash and receiving a massage, bathers finally retire to the cooling-room for a period of relaxation.
In my country, hammams were public bathrooms where everybody could take a bath, relax, talk and escape from everyday obligations. Also, a Serbian rulers had built their personal hammams, such as the hammam of Prince Milos Obrenovic, that once existed in Belgrade, in Savamala street. In books of famous Serbian writer Borislav Stankovic Kostana and Necista krv, hammams were mentioned as a places where women bathed. Nowadays, many of them can not be used, or they are closed for visitors.
The Turkish bath starts with relaxation in a room,known as the warm room, that is heated by a continuous flow of hot, dry air, allowing the bather to perspire freely. Bathers may then move to an even hotter room before they wash in cold water. After performing a full body wash and receiving a massage, bathers finally retire to the cooling-room for a period of relaxation.
In my country, hammams were public bathrooms where everybody could take a bath, relax, talk and escape from everyday obligations. Also, a Serbian rulers had built their personal hammams, such as the hammam of Prince Milos Obrenovic, that once existed in Belgrade, in Savamala street. In books of famous Serbian writer Borislav Stankovic Kostana and Necista krv, hammams were mentioned as a places where women bathed. Nowadays, many of them can not be used, or they are closed for visitors.
Hammams in Novi Pazar
The 15th century Turkish bath in Novi Pazar is the oldest in Serbia. This incredible structure features eleven domes of varying sizes, alternating brick and stone walls and glass windows. There are male and female areas, as well as dressing, relaxation and massage rooms. The bath, which has been in use for over 400 years, is located in Novopazarska Banja. Today is completely abandoned and is not in use.
It was endowed to the town by its founder Isa-Bey Isakovc. Symmetrical structure with faclities for simultaneous bathing by men and women. Nowadays the entrance is something like an outdoor terrace of a bar. Now the baths aren't in use, and half of the baths are in ruins, and you can't enter. Today, this monument of Islamic architecture is under the protection of the Republic of Serbia, as a cultural monument of great importance.
Kalemegdan fortress-the old Turkish bath
It is located in the Lower Town and it originates from the eighteenth century. There was a powder magazine at the place of today’s hamam, which was destroyed in an explosion in 1690, together with surrounding buildings and a part of the old wall, creating a cutting in the hill.
In this cutting the Turks made a bathroom-hamam. In 1944, hamam was severely damaged as a result of an explosion of another powder magazine. It was reconstructed in 1961 and restored to its original form.
Currently, the Planetarium of the Astronomical Society “Rudjer Boskovic” uses hammam as their premises.
Currently, the Planetarium of the Astronomical Society “Rudjer Boskovic” uses hammam as their premises.
Hammam in Sokobanja
Is located in the center of Sokobanja and dates from the 15th century. This is the only genuine operational Turkish bath in this region. It was built by the Turks on the foundations of the Roman thermae, as evidenced by the old foundations and fragments of ancient bricks, as well as the Roman mosaic by the pool in the women's bath. Smaller baths, which are now available in the complex, are from the period of the Turkish rule.
The hamam was renewed several times in order to keep its very important historical value. It was first restored in the 19th century during the reign of Prince Milos Obrenovic. The Prince’s Bath, which is under state protection and has a historical value, dates from this period. Last time it was reconstructed in 2005 under the supervision of Nis Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments. The Hamam now works as a wellness center, unique in the world. In the Hamam, the spa guests can opt for different wellness programs that include manual and underwater massage, pearl baths and bathing in thermal water, which along with oriental music and the scent of ripe oranges, represents a unique pleasure.
Old Hamam in Prizren
The Gazi Mehmed Pasha Hamam is located near the city centre. It was built at the 16th century by Gazi Mehmet Pasha. On the main gate, there is an inscription plate which shows the restoration date . The Turkish Bath is part of the architectonic ensemble established by Gazi Mehmet Pasha, including the Bayrakli Mosque, the Secondary School (Medresse), the primary school (meytep), the library and the mausoleum (turbe). The bath is of the "çifte hamam" type, which means that it was used by both genders at the same time. It is built in different stones. The male part of the Bath is larger than the female one. The Hamam includes all areas required for such baths, including an entry area (reception and bar), wardrobe, central part of bath, the sweating area, the entertainment area, and the heating area, in the south part of the building. The Bath is constructed in various stones, combined with brick.
Until 1964, the Bath was surrounded by commercial premises, which were demolished at that time, before restoration and conservation works took place. Even in the 70-ies, there were several renovation works taken, but the facility was left to the mercy of time since then. Since 2000, the cold part of the Hamam is used as a gallery for organizing various cultural, artistic and education activities. The Hamam is one of the most characteristic public facilities of the Ottoman Era in Prizren, bearing extraordinary historical, architectonic, social and environmental importance.
Hammam in Nis
Is the oldest preserved facility from the period of Ottoman reign in Nis and one of the rare fully preserved facilities of this type in general. The bath was made near the Istanbul Gate in 1498, the endowment of Mehmet Bey. Made of brick and stone as a single room Turkish bath, it was intended only for men or only for women. The water was conducted from the Nisava by means of a wooden windlass. From there it moved on through clay pipes to the tank in the hamam, where it was filtered and partly heated.
Today is converted into a restaurant.
Today is converted into a restaurant.