Pargalı İbrahim Pasha Bath

Telephone : 0549 127 35 00

Address : Musalla, 1015. Sk. No:15, 35930 Çeşme/İzmir

Pargalı İbrahim Paşa (1495 – 1536)

While his exact birthplace is unknown, various sources suggest that Pargalı İbrahim Pasha had Greek, Italian, or Croatian origins. At a young age, he was brought to Manisa through the devshirme system and was taken into the retinue of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman, remaining by his side until his death.

He served in the Conquest of Belgrade in 1521 and participated in the Rhodes expedition in 1522 With the beginning of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman’s reign, he quickly rose through the ranks, first becoming the Hasodabashi and later ascending to the position of Grand Vizier (Sadrazam). In addition, he held the positions of Beylerbeyi (Governor-General) of Rumelia and Anatolia as well as Serasker. Kanuni loved him so much that he also took care of his family. In 1524, Pargalı İbrahim Pasha married Kanuni’s sister, Hatice Sultan. He was appointed as the Beylerbeyi (Governor-General) of Egypt to maintain order and was given the title of Beylerbeyi. He participated in the Hungarian campaign and played a significant role in the victory at the Battle of Mohacs. He conducted negotiations for the 1533 Istanbul Treaty, which considered the Austrian Emperor equal to the Ottoman Grand Vizier. He took part in the Iraq campaign against the Safavids. After capturing Tabriz, he joined forces with Kanuni and participated in the conquest of Baghdad. Pargalı İbrahim Pasha, who spoke Persian, Greek, Bulgarian, and Italian, had a great interest in the arts. He received intensive music training from an early age. During his 13-year tenure as Grand Vizier, he built various works, including the İbrahim Pasha Palace, which is now used as the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, as well as mosques, madrasas, schools, medreses, zawiyas, baths, and fountains in Istanbul, Mecca, Thessaloniki, Hezergrad (Razgrad), and Kavala. He also established endowments for these structures.

The history of Çeşme Pargalı Turkish Hammam:

During the 1500s, the Ottoman Navy frequently sought refuge in Çeçme Bay due to its status as a sheltered harbor during adverse weather conditions. Around 1528, Suleyman the Magnificient had a caravanserai constructed next to Çeçme Castle. Later on, following the orders of Suleyman the Magnificent, a historical bathhouse called Çeçme Turkish Hammam, also known as Pargalı Hammam, was built by Pargalı İbrahim Pasha next to this caravanserai for the benefit of soldiers and local people.

THE HAMMAM TRADITION

Hammam and Well Being

  • The hammam relieves stress, relaxes the body, and promotes restfulness It reduces muscle tension and pain, and helps to loosen stiff joints.
  • It improves blood circulation.
  • It alleviates sinus congestion caused by cold, asthma, or allergies.
  • It helps to maintain youthful and fresh-looking skin.
  • The hammam is effective in eliminating stored fats and toxins from the body, especially under the skin.
  • The steam during sweating effectively cleanses toxins from the surface of the skin. Cautionary Advice!

Before Going İn To Bath

  • Before entering the hammam, you should remove a and if you wear them, contact lenses.
  • It is generally recommended to enter the hammam on an empty or semi-empty stomach. It is advised to refrain from eating and drinking before entering the hammam.
  • The hammam uses up your energy similar to exercising and may cause fluid and mineral loss.
  • If you feel physically exhausted, it is best to avoid entering the hammam.

Cleaning Up And İntoxication

One of the most important elements of traditional Turkish bath culture is the “kese” (exfoliation). Kese is a type of peeling process performed to remove dead cells from the skin. In the bath, kese is done by taking advantage of the temperature difference. This allows for easy removal and renewal of dead cells on the skin. Kese not only cleanses and beautifies the body, but it also contributes to overall health. Strengthening the immune system will make the body healthier and more energetic as a whole.

Skin Care İn A Bath

During the Ottoman period, in the palace baths, servants would provide complete grooming (hair, body, feet, nails) to the sultans. Beauty care practices using products such as olive oil soaps, rose water, rose essence, and henna have resurfaced in recent times. Body care, which is one of the practices of the Turkish bath tradition, is recommended to be performed after the “Cleansing and Purification” phase for its healthy effectiveness.