x0x High-End Hamam Opens in Historic Istanbul Location

By SUSANNE FOWLER

For years the domed structure between the Aya Sofia (Hagia Sophia) and the 
Blue Mosque was used as a state-run carpet shop. Kilims and halis were 
strewn every which way across marble navel stones under huge domes that 
let shafts of light illuminate the structure built in 1556 by the famed 
architect Sinan to house the baths of Roxelana, known locally as Hurrem. 
(Hurrem was the slave who became the powerful wife of Sultan Suleiman the 
Magnificent.) Now, thanks to a $10 million restoration, the marble-clad 
space is once again a Turkish bath house, with separate facilities for men 
and women.

There are far less expensive hamams in Istanbul, like the neighborhood 
facility on the Asian side, recently enjoyed by the Frugal Traveler, or 
the popular Cemberlitas near the Grand Bazaar. But the new Ayasofya Hurrem 
Sultan Hamam (Cankurtaran Mah. Bab-. Hmayn Cad. No.1; 90-212-517-35-35) 
will appeal to anyone who is turned off by the musty odors and coarse 
towels often found elsewhere.

[Read the full story at: 

http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/10/high-end-hamam-opens-in-historic-istanbul-location/ 
]