What to Wear in a Traditional Turkish Bath

The pestemal — a lightweight woven cotton wrap — is provided at the hammam and worn throughout the visit. It is the defining garment of the Turkish bath.

Beneath the pestemal, most international guests wear swimwear or comfortable underwear. There is no expectation of a specific style; the pestemal covers what needs to be covered.

Wooden or rubber slippers are commonly used on wet stone. You may bring your own, or borrow a pair on arrival.

After the visit, a dry cotton wrap is used for resting. The transition from wet warmth to dry stillness is one of the small pleasures of the hammam.

Alaaddin Hamam is a working historic Turkish bath in Avanos, Cappadocia. Reservations are handled directly by the hammam team.