The Zeyrek Cinili Hamam, a 500-year-old public bathhouse in Istanbul, has reopened after a 13-year, $15-million-plus restoration project. This historic landmark, named for its cobalt-and-turquoise cladding, is now a shining jewel in the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Zeyrek district.
Visitors can now enjoy a traditional Turkish bath experience in this beautifully restored hamam, complete with soaring domes and star-shaped skylights that fill the rooms with shimmering light. For a fee of 95 euros (about $101), guests can indulge in an hour-long bath that includes an exfoliation scrub and a massage, all while listening to the soothing sound of water splashing into marble basins.
The restoration of the Zeyrek Cinili Hamam was a labor of love for Bike Gursel, who spearheaded the project with the Marmara Group. The process involved excavating 36 feet down to find solid ground, reinforcing the building with a subterranean structure, and uncovering ancient artifacts like coins, Roman glass bottles, and Byzantine oil lamps.
Although the original 16th-century Iznik tiles were lost to history, the hamam now boasts walls covered in pale gray Marmara marble and a serene, elegant interior. The project was passed down to Bike Gursel’s daughter, Koza Gureli Yazgan, who described the restoration as a thrilling but challenging endeavor.
The Zeyrek Cinili Hamam has a rich history, originally commissioned by the grand admiral of the Ottoman Empire, Hayreddin Barbarossa, and designed by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan. Now, 500 years later, this historic bathhouse is once again a focal point of the neighborhood, with a new hotel under construction across the street.
The reopening of the Zeyrek Cinili Hamam is not just a restoration of a historic landmark, but a celebration of the rich cultural heritage and architectural beauty of Istanbul. Visitors can now immerse themselves in the timeless tradition of the Turkish bath, surrounded by centuries of history and craftsmanship.
