Bathe like Ottoman royalty at Zeyrek Cinili Hamam in Istanbul’s historic Fatih district

Zeyrek Cinili Hamam, a 500-year-old marvel located in Istanbul’s historic Zeyrek neighborhood, has emerged from a 13-year restoration.

The hamam, which reopened in September 2023, now blends cultural heritage with modern luxury. TIME magazine included it in its 2024 list of “World’s Greatest Places,” a recognition that showcases its unique appeal to visitors worldwide.

Origins, transformation of Zeyrek Cinili Hamam over centuries

Grand Admiral Barbaros Hayreddin Pasha, a prominent figure in the Ottoman navy, commissioned Mimar Sinan to design and build Zeyrek Cinili Hamam between 1530 and 1540.

This architectural achievement stood out for its blue-and-white Iznik tiles, which covered its walls and showcased the finest 16th-century craftsmanship. The unique tiles featured intricate patterns that drew inspiration from both Ottoman and Ming-dynasty porcelain styles.

Over time, the hamam endured its share of challenges. Fires and earthquakes in the 18th century left their mark on the building, while the 19th century saw many of its tiles removed and sold to European collectors.

Despite these changes, successive owners worked on restoration projects, keeping its structure intact and preserving its legacy.

How 13-year restoration project in Türkiye brought new discoveries

In 2010, the Marmara Group took on the significant challenge of restoring Zeyrek Cinili Hamam. The project soon turned into an archaeological exploration, revealing unexpected historical treasures.

Workers uncovered pieces of the original Iznik tiles, along with 18th and 19th-century wall paintings and Byzantine-era artifacts. The restoration team partnered with historians and museums, tracing the fragments to European institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Louvre.

“We found only fragments during excavation,” said Koza Gureli Yazgan, the founding director. “It led us to explore collections in Europe to better understand our tiles and bring them to life for visitors through 3D mapping.” The museum now showcases these rediscovered tile patterns, giving visitors a glimpse of the hamam’s original appearance.

Can visitors experience Zeyrek Cinili Hamam in Istanbul’s Fatih district?

Zeyrek Cinili Hamam functions as both a traditional bath and a museum. The museum features Ottoman-era artifacts such as towels, bath bowls, and intricately designed clogs.

Visitors can also see Mimar Sinan’s water and heating systems, which demonstrate his innovative engineering skills. The restored cisterns beneath the hamam, dating back to Byzantine times, feature detailed carvings that some believe were made by sailors or prisoners in Barbaros Hayreddin Pasha’s fleet.

These cisterns now serve as venues for art installations, adding another layer to the hamam’s appeal.

The hamam’s reopening was marked by the “Healing Ruins” exhibition, curated by Anlam de Coster. This show featured works by 22 artists and aimed to blend the hamam’s historical essence with contemporary art.

“The exhibition invited people to experience the site through its history and myths,” said de Coster. The art installations spread across the hamam’s rooms explored themes of transformation and healing.

Why you should visit Zeyrek Cinili Hamam in Istanbul

Zeyrek Cinili Hamam stands as a rare example of Mimar Sinan’s architectural ingenuity. His understanding of Ottoman and Byzantine techniques made the structure not only beautiful but also resilient. The hamam’s design includes cold, warm, and hot rooms that encourage relaxation, while its domes create an inviting play of light and shadow.

TIME magazine’s recent recognition affirms its role as a must-visit spot, drawing those interested in history, architecture, and art. This acknowledgment reinforces its significance as a cultural landmark in Istanbul.

Practical visitor information for Zeyrek Cinili Hamam in Istanbul

Zeyrek Cinili Hamam is located in Zeyrek

• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Istanbul’s Fatih district
• Visitors can reach it easily via public transportation, including buses and the M2 metro line.
• The Hamam is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 a.m.–10.00 a.m., while the museum operates from 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. on the same days.

Nearby, visitors can explore the Molla Zeyrek Mosque, the ancient column of Marcian, and the picturesque Zeyrek Yokusu Fountain. Including these landmarks in your itinerary offers a more comprehensive understanding of the area’s rich history.