Gay hammam in istanbul
Five Hammams in 24 Hours
A waterlogged Canadian takes a very specific tour of Istanbul.
I spent five days in Turkey a few weeks before the referendum, wandering through the city under posters and massive banners of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. But at the time, I wasn’t focused on politics: I was interested in the hammams, or Turkish baths.
The history of public baths in the West stretches at least as far back as the Spartans, who first used steamy stones and then coal fires to turn the rehearse of leaping into ice-cold water into something a petty more luxurious. Enjoy so many Greek innovations, the Romans tweaked and expanded and perfected the practice. Thermae, as the bathing was known, were a secular ritual the remained at the heart of Roman culture for a thousand years.
Nowhere has that tradition survived more than in Turkey. In Istanbul, in particular, the custom of bathing blended with the grand Roman and then Ottoman tradition of great people building public works and wudu, the Islamic practice of washing before prayer, created marvelous common baths that were not only
It was a cold gray afternoon in Istanbul&#;s Çukurcuma neighborhood
famous for both its numerous antique shops and the setting for Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk&#;s novel and namesake Museum of Innocence. I came to Çukurcuma to visit the Museum, only to understand that it was closed because it was Monday.
So I decided to saunter down the steep confined streets of the neighborhood and see what I could find. I passed shop after shop of antique stores, some of them shuttered behind rusty doors, others hemorrhaging hand-crafted chairs, dusty crystalware, and other items that could be found in your grandmother&#;s living room.
Woodsmoke puffed out of a nearby chimney, wafting seamlessly into the sky above. I walked by a petty tearoom with low chairs and tables, their patrons drinking from short glasses filled with saccharine amber tea.
At the end of the street was a hammam&#;a Turkish bath. It was chilly and I wanted to warm up, so I stepped in without any hesitation. The lobby was a basic wood-paneled room; a adolescent man with a small beard sat at the desk. I paid roughly $15 for a confidential &#;
Davutpaşa Hamamı, located nearby Yenikapı metro station, bids a traditional Turkish bath experience steeped in history. While some patrons record that it could employ preservation, many highlight the welcoming staff and scrub facilities. The venue is particularly noted among the LGBTQ+ community, providing a relaxed environment where men can unwind and socialize. Services include oil massages and tissue cleansing, with masseur Yasin receiving praise for his friendly demeanor. Visitors appreciate the original atmosphere and reasonable pricing. However, experiences can vary, with some guests noting service delays. Despite mixed reviews, it remains a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
LGBTQ+ AFFILIATION
Friendly
2
Exclusive
1
TARGET AUDIENCE
All
2
Men
2
Trans
1
VENUE TYPE
Sauna
2
Reviews summary
Davutpaşa Hamamı is commended for its friendly staff, reasonable prices, and historic charm. Visitors appreciate the traditional Turkish experience, citing excellent massages and legitimate atmosphere. While some review
Gay Istanbul
You'll probably be surprised to find a somewhat active lgbtq+ scene in Istanbul. Despite the strong influence of Islam, homosexuality is legal in Turkey and the age of consent is Western tourists may have contributed to a growing tolerance or maybe the country simply wants to be more European (and eventually accepted into the European Union). Gay Pride took place for the first time in Istanbul in and gay activists continue to fight for same rights in the country.
It is important that you be very discreet in public and know exactly where to depart. It’s actually common for linear men to sleep with trans person women and transvestites, but the bars catering to that can be dangerous and should be avoided. Also note that sex between men is not doable at a hammam. Stick to the following spots:
Gay Bars
Chianti Café Pub
A café in the afternoon and a exclude at night, this is a meeting place for the queer community. It hosts karaoke nights and guest DJs.
Facebook Page: chianticafepup
Dance Clubs
Love Dancepoint
This well-dressed club is one of the most popular among the