Envision stepping back in time to 1860s Istanbul. The air is thick with the scent of jasmine and spices. Construction workers bustle around a new building in Kadıköy. This is the Azize Hamamı, commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz himself. The Azize Hamamı isn’t just any hamam. It’s a “çifte hamam,” a double bath, with separate sections for men and women. Each side boasts its own entrance, a testament to the social customs of the time. The two-story brick structure features windows framed by Islamic-style pointed arches, although some have been altered over the years, blurring the original architectural vision. Inside, the Azize Hamamı unfolds like a journey. You enter the square, two-story changing room. From there, a door leads to the rectangular warm room. In the center lies the göbek taşı, the navel stone. To the right, you’ll find the hot room (sıcak halvet). To the left is the cool room (soğuk halvet). Interestingly, the men’s and women’s sections are almost mirror images, the only difference being the placement of the hot and cool rooms. Both sides feature seventeen basins, each a small oasis of refreshment. The Azize Hamamı is a living testament to Ottoman bathing culture. It’s a place where history whispers through the steam and echoes in the gentle splash of water. It has seen countless visitors over the years, each carrying their own stories and secrets within its walls. Today, it still stands as a place of rejuvenation and relaxation, offering a glimpse into a rich and fascinating past.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to