The Hurrem Sultan Hammam was commissioned in 1556 by Hurrem Sultan (also known as Roxelana), the influential wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. It was designed by the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, whose masterpieces include many of Istanbul's most significant structures.
Located between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet Square, the hammam was built on the site of the ancient public baths of Zeuxippus. The hammam's unique architecture features a completely symmetrical design with identical sections for men and women—an innovative approach in 16th century Ottoman architecture.
After functioning as a bath house for centuries, the building later served various purposes including a storage facility and carpet bazaar. Following an extensive restoration completed in 2011, the hammam has been returned to its original purpose, offering visitors an authentic Ottoman bathing experience in one of Istanbul's most historically significant bath houses.
