Çay, Coffee & Hamam
Çay — More than Tea
Çay (tea) is the national drink of Turkey — not coffee. The Turks drink more tea per capita than any other country in the world. Çay is served in tulip-shaped glasses, strong, black, and with sugar (no milk!). It is offered everywhere and always: in the shop, at the hairdresser, in the taxi, at the police station. Refusing an offered Çay is considered impolite — accept, drink slowly, enjoy the hospitality.
Turkish Coffee (Türk Kahvesi)
Turkish coffee has been a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2013. The finely ground coffee is boiled with water (and optionally sugar) in a Cezve (small copper pot) and poured unfiltered into small cups. The grounds remain in the cup — fortune-tellers read the future from them (Fal). Order: Sade (without sugar), Az şekerli (a little sugar), Orta (medium) or Şekerli (sweet). Price: 1–3€.
Hamam — The Turkish Bath
A visit to a Hamam is one of the most intense experiences in Istanbul. The ritual has remained unchanged for centuries:
- Warming up: Lying and sweating on the heated marble stone (Göbektaşı) in the hot room (Sıcaklık).
- Peeling (Kese): A bath attendant (Tellak) rubs your entire skin with a rough glove — the amount of dead skin that comes off is impressive (and slightly shocking).
- Soap massage: You are lathered and massaged with a huge foam mountain.
- Cooling down: In the cool room (Soğukluk) with Çay and rest.
The best historical Hamams in Istanbul:
- Çemberlitaş Hamamı: Built in 1584 by Mimar Sinan. Tourist-friendly, central (Sultanahmet), from 50€.
- Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı: The most beautiful Hamam in Istanbul — lavishly restored, in Karaköy. From 70€ for the complete package. Worth every cent.
- Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı: Between Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque — the most exclusive (and expensive) Hamam in the city. From 80€.
💡 Tipp
In the Hamam: Wear swimwear (men: swim trunks, women: bikini) or the provided Peştemal (cloth). Valuables in the locker. Tip for the Tellak: 15–20% of the treatment price. Do not eat much right before the Hamam — a full stomach and hot marble is not a good combination.