Çakır Ağa Turkish Bath

Date Built: First half of the 15th century

Traditional style: Yes

Date of Visit: October 2020

Location: On the corner of 2. Osman Gazi and Cemal Nadir streets.

Price (in Lira): 60 TL (for entry, massage and scrub)

Tip Expected: Probably, but the staff wasn’t pushy about it.

Drinks: Yes     Free:  No

There is a section for both Men and Women.

Reviewed for: Men

 

Never been to a Turkish Bath? Make sure to check out the History of Turkish Baths or our guide explaining just what goes on at a Turkish Bath before visiting!

 

Final Score: 42/50

Notes: Çakır Ağa Turkish Bath is a genuine historic bathhouse experience in a great easy to access location. It scores well for covering all the basics and being authentic though it could be a bit cleaner and the renovations a bit more authentic.

 

Score breakdown (All scores out of 5)

Length of stay: 5

Note: No rush, nice leisurely experience.

 

Change room: 3.5

Note: Change rooms were a bit cramped and could have been tidier.

 

Common room: 4

Note: There is a proper common room where they serve you tea or cold drinks with a fountain in the middle. Not only is there actually water in the fountain (often there isn’t for some reason), but there were fish as well!

 

Hamam Features: 4

Note:  Everything that should be there was there and even a dry sauna which is a modern addition to traditional Turkish Baths.

 

Hamam esthetics: 3.5

Note:  Çakır Ağa Turkish Bath is truly a historic building and sadly time has had its effect on it. While restoration work hasn’t been terrible there it certainly could have been more authentic and true to its original form.

 

Cleanliness: 3

Note: The major surfaces were decently clean but there were other edges and corners that really could have used a proper cleaning more regularly.

 

Heat: 5

Note: Excellent heat. Hot water was hot (though not scalding), cold water was truly cold. The sauna came up to temperature quickly.

 

Smell: 4.5

Note: The smell was pretty good for a brick and mortar building that’s been wet for a few centuries. Very little odour to speak of.

 

Quality of Scrub/Massage: 4.5

Note: Great thorough massage and scrub, but not exceptional.

 

Staff: 5

Note: Staff was friendly and polite, never pushy.

 

Never been to a Turkish Bath? Check out the History of Turkish Baths here or our guide explaining just what goes on at a Turkish Bath here!

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