Büyük Hamam, Nicosia

Next door to the Iplik Bazaar Mosque is the Buyuk Hamam, the Turkish bath house of the Iplik Bazaar-Korkuk Effendi neighborhood. Among the first changes the Ottomans initiated after acquiring Cyprus in 1570 was the construction of public baths, called "hamams."

The baths functioned as social centers and places to cleanse both body and spirit. Most citizens did not have such facilities of their own, so the baths were especially welcome.

Büyük Hamam is the oldest Turkish bath in town. It was built on the 14th century site of Saint George de Poulins Church. Elements of the Church can be seen in the main entrance to the Baths.

Much of the Ottoman construction took place on the ruins of the former city. One effect of this was the rise of the ground level. The Hamam main entrance is now below street level. The actual baths are lower than that.

The Hamam is in three separate parts. There is the changing room, which still has elements of the original Latin church. Next is a room where bathers may warm up or cool down. Lastly a thermal or "hot" room. The thermal room has a large dome with windows for sunlight over the massage podium.

Büyük Hamam is the only functioning old Turkish bath in North Cyprus. Visitors may use the baths and avail themselves of traditional peelings and massages with aromatic oils. The baths are open everyday. Gender segregated and family sessions can be arranged.