Karaman Yeni Karamanoğlu Hamamı

Date Built: Uncertain

Traditional style: Yes

Date of Visit: July 2021

Location: Corner of 64th and 79th streets, Topucak neighbourhood, Karaman city, across from the Çeşmeli Church.

Price (in Lira): entrance 35, Scrub 15, massage, 15, salt scrub 20

Tip Expected: Yes

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: 44/50

While the exact age of the Yeni Karamanoğlu Turkish Bath seems to be unknown, it has all the hallmarks of an authentic historic bathhouse. The fact that the road is now a meter higher than the doorway is a good indication that it’s been here for a few centuries. While there are other Turkish Baths in the city, all were either closed permanently or for restoration. The result is that the Yeni Karamanoğlu Turkish Bath was very popular with locals.

A popular bath is always a good sign. Lots of visitors means money for maintenance, heating, and cleaning; all areas that Yeni Karamanoğlu Turkish Bath did well in.

Read the detailed reviews below to see where Yeni Karamanoğlu Turkish Bath won and lost points to see if this is the right Hamam for you.

 

Score breakdown (All scores out of 5)

Length of stay: 5/5

Note: No one rushed us and we were able to take as long as we liked.

 

Change room: 3.5/5

Note: The change rooms were a bit small and dingy compared to some.

 

Common room: 3.5/5

Note: While the space was nice and authentic, there needed to be more seating for guests.

 

Hamam Features: 5/5

Note: As pools don’t feature in traditional Turkish Baths (unless it’s a hot spring) this is one of the few historic Turkish Baths that you’ll find a pool in. There is also a dry sauna and a steam room, a handful of private rooms, and of course the hot marble table in the center of the main room.

 

Hamam esthetics: 3/5

Note: So much of this Turkish Bath is authentic, and so much has been poorly renovated. The worst is the horrible little multicoloured tiles that they used on the walls and ceiling, transforming this grand, authentic space into ugly kitch.

 

Cleanliness: 4.5/5

Note: In general, quite clean but could use a more regular deep clean.

 

Heat: 4.5/5

Note: For the first time a Turkish Bath is losing points for being too hot.

 

Smell: 5/5

Note: No smell to speak of and that’s always a good thing.

 

Quality of Scrub/Massage: 5/5

Note: Excellent. Only felt like torture a little bit. The salt scrub was an interesting bonus.

 

Staff: 5/5

Note: Staff were friendly, polite, and did their job well. Despite the fact that it was quite busy, they gave us the full treatment rather than rushing through.

 

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!

 

Have any tips or info to add? Spot any mistakes? We’d love to hear about it.