BASINDA KARACABEY HAMAMI

The Karacabey Hamam

Turkish baths, or hamamas, have played an important part in Anatolian culture for many centuries. First introducet to Anatolia by the Romans, the Turkish bath of the past was a place for socializing as well as washing.
In modern Turkey it is customary for one to visit the hamam at least once a month in addition to having normal baths and showers.
Unfortunately, with the availability of modern washing facilities in the home, the hamam has lost its importance. However, there is nothing like a regular visit to the hamam for one to find rejuvenation, not only for the body but also the soul.
There are many historic hamams throughout modern Turkey which are still in use today, one of these being the Karacabey Hamam in Ankara.
The history of the Karacabey Hamam Dates back to 1427, when a military officer of Sultan Murat II, Celalettin Karacabey İbn-i Abdullah, of began canstruction of the hamam that was completed in 1440. Today, it has become on of the most important historic sites in the capital.
Through years of neglect the Karacabey Hamam become just another historic place gone to ruin. Fortunately the General Office of Founddations and Aydın Construction an Tourizm Ltd. Launched a restoration project in 1988. the restoration took two years, and the hamam was restored in accordance to its original plans.
Today, as in the past, the historic Karacabey Hamam covers a closed area of 2,000 square meters. Once inside the visitor will see the rich marble and onyx flooring that came from Elazığ, Sivrihisar and Afyon. One is also able to find high quality hand-carved lattice work. Another centerpiece of the hamam are the domed rooms surroundedby niches.

Ankara – Turkish Daily News