Holidays in Turkey are our wedding honeymoon, which we could remember only as pleasant impressions, but that was not the case...

They say that at the very beginning of your vacation you should definitely visit a real Turkish bath - after that the tan will lie evenly and, of course, last a long time. No sooner said than done! Right at the hotel, a representative of the tour operator suggested that we visit a number of different entertainments, including the Babel Palace bathhouse, which he spoke very highly of. We were recommended to “experience all the delights of Thai massage,” which is supposedly done exclusively by girls from the homeland of this very massage.

It was difficult not to succumb to such sweet persuasion, so on the second day of our vacation we already went to the vaunted Turkish bath. We were provided with a comfortable bus that took us there and back. A standard program of procedures cost $50, the main feature of which was precisely that same Thai massage.

Upon arrival at the place, we could not help but notice that everything was done beautifully and quite convenient for visitors. But as soon as we went inside, they divided us into small groups, gave us special bracelets indicating the paid program, and began to offer, no, impose additional services, “without which it is simply impossible to enjoy the program you have already purchased”! Well, we gave in to temptation, so we bought a chocolate wrap that was supposed to moisturize the skin and give it elasticity and beauty, just like a baby!

We were all taken together for all the preparatory procedures before the massage. When it was our turn to do the massage, my husband and I were separated and taken along different corridors. In the room they laid me on a massage table and asked me to wait a little. I’m lying and waiting for a professional girl. To my amazement, an ordinary Turkish guy came and ended up giving me a massage. I should note that my husband and I started getting massages at the same time, and we had to do it the same way (the programs were paid for exactly the same).

They called an interpreter to me and tried to convince me to pay for an additional course of massage and other procedures, the total cost of which was more than $300. I refused, citing the fact that I did not have such funds. I thought that after this they would leave me behind... But that was not the case... The translator came to me two more times and offered me the same course, but at a lower cost. As a result, when I refused (they reduced it to $180), they began the “heavenly pleasure”. To say that it was painful and unpleasant for me is to say nothing. It seemed that they were taking revenge on me because I decided to refuse to pay them for the extra. services.

As far as I know, Thai massage is a gentle stretching of the arms, legs, back, kneading of muscles, which certainly do not cause sharp pain! In general, my entire torment lasted almost an hour and a half, after which they also refused to apply a chocolate mask to my entire body (as was written on my second bracelet). Of course, they again called a translator and an administrator, who ran around and clarified my program. In the end, everything became clear, they applied a mask to me and led me into the shower stall.

When I went to the shower, it turned out that absolutely everyone in our group had already gone through all their procedures, managed to take a shower, change clothes and get ready, but my husband had been running around looking for me for about half an hour, and no one even tried to help him.

But thank God, we found each other and went to the hotel. On the way, I began to tell my husband what I experienced, and how I blame myself, that it was my fault (I barely persuaded him to come here with me) that he survived such torture. To my surprise, it turned out that nothing like this happened to him:

• No one forced him to buy other procedures;
• There were no problems with the chocolate mask - it was applied to him immediately without any clarification;
• No one twisted his legs and arms, no one squeezed his legs and arms so that it seemed they would be torn off...

A few hours later, already at the hotel, I discovered that my legs were inside The thighs were covered with dark burgundy bruises that were simply enormous. It was already evening, so the next day we turned to the representative of the tour operator, showed him my hematomas, from which he, of course, was in great shock. I was asked to write a complaint, which I did.

We waited about two days for a response to my complaint. As a result, I was offered to visit the local hospital, at the expense of the Turkish bath, of course. My husband insisted that I agree. And so they did. We took insurance and documents, they sent us a beige Mercedes with leather interior and air conditioning, and took us to the hospital. After a thorough examination, the doctor prescribed them to me good recipe out of four items - 2 ointments and 2 types of tablets, which, as it turned out, were not cheap. His diagnosis was expected - too intense, too strong pressure, which is extremely unacceptable, especially in a “professional” Turkish bath.

Of course, all the medications were purchased directly by a representative from Babel Palace and immediately given to me. They promised to fine that employee. I can imagine how much, considering how much they had to pay for my visit to the doctor and medications.

After this incident, for some reason, all the hotel employees began to treat us more respectfully; at the bar they gave us drinks without a queue, even if it was a short one. You've probably heard a lot about our history...

I want to say that I will no longer visit this spa called Babel Palace Turkish Bath, and I do not advise you to either. And those who are faced with similar problems, do not hesitate to assert your rights. I wish everyone only good memories and impressions.

Have you read the story? Now you can play. I bet you won't win!

Turkish massage

Among all types of massage techniques, it is becoming increasingly popular in modern conditions acquires Turkish. Its peculiarity is that it is customary to perform such a massage in a bathhouse.

Traditions of Turkish massage

Initially, this technique was predominantly widespread in numerous states of Malaya, as well as Central Asia. But in our country its popularity is only now gaining momentum. The technique of Turkish massage can be called the most ancient. Initially, the goals of this massage were to get rid of a number of diseases. Turkish massage itself can also be divided into a number of classifications. Thus, they include moderate, long, weak, strong, soothing, preparatory and restorative massage.

Even in ancient times, it was believed that it was a strong massage that could well strengthen all parts of the body and its structure. As a result of a gentle massage, the body will achieve high-quality relaxation, and the muscle tissue will become soft. Long massage helps solve the problem excess weight in the human body, and as a result of moderate massage the body develops better. Preparatory massage is recommended before starting special physical exercise or gymnastics, because this way the body will become more ready. After the classes themselves, it is useful to carry out a restorative massage.

Popularity of Turkish massage

As a result of the development of medicine in the countries of the East, massage techniques were also improved. Gradually, Turkish massage became popular in more and more countries. However, its peculiarity remained unchanged, namely that this type of massage was mainly carried out while in the bathhouse.

According to experts, Turkish massage combines large number different techniques and elements. All of them were borrowed from the peoples who submitted to the Arabs. Among these peoples there were also specialists from India. IN different times One could observe the migration of Turkish massage techniques from East to West and vice versa. Turkish massage has several types that differ from each other in a number of components.

Classic Turkish massage

First of all, we should highlight the classic technique of Turkish massage. It has its roots in Turkey. Typically, such a massage was carried out in beauty salons, hotels, and national baths that were modern for that time. The time spent on a classic Turkish massage should not be less than fifty minutes. At the same time, when carrying out their manipulations, the person performing the massage must use special oil. Basically, classical massage is used when you need to relax the skin and also influence its structure.

Women most often resort to this massage. And for them it is most useful. As a result female figure becomes more graceful and clearly defined. In most cases, when performing a Turkish massage, calm music, characteristic of eastern countries, is turned on.

Massage with soap and scrub

Another type of Turkish massage is one that uses soap combined with exfoliating particles. This type of massage has become the most widespread. It can still be found today on the list of the most popular services in Turkish hotels and beauty salons. A session of such a massage takes exactly an hour. When performed, a melodic and soothing sound is also turned on. nervous system music. However, for this type of massage it is necessary that the room has a special table with a heated surface.

At the very beginning of the procedure, the person must be thoroughly washed. Only after this the massage therapist begins to make soft movements on the surface. To separate dead cells from the surface of the client's skin, a hard washcloth or a special glove called a kitty is used. As a result, all the excess goes away along with the soap suds.

This type of massage is recommended to renew the structure of the skin and improve its quality. As a result, the skin becomes simply flawless, and dead particles are completely removed from the surface. In addition, this type of massage relaxes the body very well. It is useful to carry out such a massage if a person has diseases associated with rheumatism or osteochondrosis. This massage will also be useful for muscle pain or when a person experiences excessive physical exertion.

Relaxing Turkish massage

Based on classic Turkish massage, relaxation massage was singled out as a separate type. It is useful to do it when a person is in the mood for rest or deep relaxation. The duration of this massage is approximately an hour.

All massage movements must be carried out in conjunction with the use of oil. It must be warmed up. Often this type of massage is used as an addition to traditional procedures carried out in the bathhouse. But in principle, such a massage is not forbidden to be done almost anywhere. However, the sounds of beautiful music must be heard during this procedure. It is also recommended to light candles and smoke fragrant incense. An indispensable condition is also that a light twilight should reign in the room.

Royal massage

Another type of massage was created specifically for rulers. Such a massage must certainly be performed by two massage therapists. In this case, the client’s wishes are necessarily taken into account, and both men and women can be involved as massage therapists. A session of this type of massage takes about fifty minutes, and the session itself is also accompanied by melodious music. This massage will help you relax thoroughly. But its main purpose is to improve the structure of the skin.

Turkish foot massage

Among the varieties of Turkish massage, foot massage also stands out. Entire ancient treatises were devoted to this art, which were studied in detail in specially created massage schools. This massage is also recommended to be carried out in a bathhouse or sports room. A session of such a massage does not exceed thirty minutes. Foot massage should be performed on the floor. It is allowed to place it under a hard mat or other bedding.

Specific techniques of such massage can affect various parts of the spine. If you want to consistently perform all the techniques, then it is absolutely necessary to acquire support. Its role can be perfectly performed by a bamboo stick or parallel bars. However, the masseur’s body weight should not exceed eighty kilograms. This massage must take place in conditions where the client is very comfortable. Before the session itself, it is also important to warm up the body in the bathhouse.

Direct impact with the legs must be carried out through a sheet or some other material. When the session comes to an end, the client must rest. He is not forbidden to even sleep.

Seaweed massage

Another type of Turkish massage must be performed using seaweed. Algae are a source of numerous vitamins, minerals, salts, useful acids and other components. While in the bathhouse, the human body begins to sweat intensely, and this opens up the pores. When the process reaches its deepest stage, the massage therapist begins to rub the contents of the algae into the skin.

As a result of this action, the skin is intensively moisturized and strengthened. As a result, the skin becomes more attractive in appearance. This type of massage also strengthens the protective film on the skin, soothing and healing it. This massage will be effective and beneficial for absolutely any skin type. In addition to algae, the technology itself also uses a variety of fruit juices, aromatic and vegetable oils.

This technique can cope with the problem of local swelling. As another useful property This massage effectively fights cellulite. Toxins and other substances that are harmful begin to be intensively eliminated from the body.

Similar materials

The brilliant doctor Abu Ali Ibn Sina, who is known to us under another name - Avicenna, made a great contribution to the development of Turkish massage. He lived from 980 to 1037. He used massage as a means of curing many diseases. In addition, he developed classifications of massage methods. Avicenna was able to divide massage into the following types: long, moderate, strong, weak, preparatory, soothing or restorative. He was absolutely sure that a strong massage strengthens the body; weak – relaxes it and makes it softer; long-term – helps cope with excess weight; moderate – promotes body development; preparatory - helps to prepare the body before starting physical exercise, and restorative massage is used after exercise.

The development of medicine in Arabia contributed to the further development of Turkish massage. He slowly began to conquer neighboring countries such as Armenia, Türkiye and Persia, and so on. In these countries, massage was usually performed in public baths.

We can safely say that Turkish massage has absorbed a huge amount of various elements and techniques borrowed from the peoples who were conquered by the Arabs. There were also Indian specialists among them. Turkish massage is considered a migrant of massage culture from West to East and from East to West.

Types of massage

Classic massage

This type of massage originates in Turkey. It was performed in spa centers, hotels and national Turkish baths - hammams. The duration of one session is fifty minutes. Massage oil is used during the massage. They do it in order to relax the skin and improve its structure. Women often use this massage to improve their figure. Usually the massage is accompanied by calm Turkish music.

Turkish soap massage with peeling

This massage has become widespread and is especially popular. It is also held in spas and hotels in Turkey. The session lasts sixty minutes and is accompanied by melodic music.

To perform such a massage, you will need a special heated table. First, the person is washed. After this, the massage therapist begins to make circular movements, soap suds when carrying out peeling, using a hard washcloth or a kise - a special glove.

This type of massage is used to renew the skin and improve its structure. Human skin is flawlessly cleansed of remaining dead skin particles. Massage helps to relax, improves the general condition of a person with rheumatic diseases, osteochondrosis, muscle pain, arthrosis and any physical activity.

Relaxing spa massage

Relaxing spa massage is based on classic Turkish massage and is mainly used for relaxation, relaxation and meditation. A massage session lasts no more than one hour.

The massage must be done using heated oil. This massage is an excellent addition to the usual traditional bath procedures. It can be carried out in spas, hammams, and saunas. It is imperative that calm music be played during the process to promote relaxation. It would be a good idea to use candles and incense. The room should be darkened.

Sultan massage

The massage was named after the title of the Muslim secular ruler. Based on the Turkish classic version of massage. The massage is performed not by one, but by two massage therapists. Depending on the client’s taste preferences, it can be either two women or two men. The session lasts fifty minutes. During the procedure, national Turkish music is played. Massage helps you relax and improve the structure of the skin. For women, again, it helps to get their figure in order.

Classic Turkish foot massage

Foot or pedal massage is based on the technique of the national Turkish massage school. Used in baths, spas, and fitness rooms. On average, a session lasts twenty or thirty minutes.

Foot massage is performed on the floor. Also suitable for tatami or a fairly hard mat. Massage techniques allow you to influence different parts of the spine.

It should be noted that to perform all techniques, you will need support. A bamboo stick or beams are suitable as a support. The weight of the massage therapist should not be too large. The main thing is that the client is comfortable. Before starting the session, the client must be warmed up in the hammam. The impact of the legs on his body must be carried out strictly through a sheet or other material. After the session is over, the client needs to rest, and perhaps even sleep.

Cleopatra massage

Seaweed is used. They also spend time in the hammam.

Algae contains a huge number of different vitamins, phytohormones, minerals, amino acids, salts and other useful substances. In the bathhouse, a person begins to sweat and his pores begin to open.

After this, the massage therapist rubs the algae into the skin. Thanks to this, the skin is strengthened, moisturized, appearance is improving. This massage helps strengthen the water-fat protective film of the skin and soothe it. Suitable for any skin type.

In addition to algae, various fruit juices, vegetable and aromatic oils are also used in the process. Massage copes with local swelling, fights cellulite, removes toxins and other harmful substances from the body. Removes excess belly fat.

Aloe vera massage

The massage is performed in a massage parlor or Turkish bath. It uses a mixture of honey and aloe vera essence. Suitable for any skin type. Minerals and vitamins rejuvenate. Aloe vera moisturizes the skin and removes small wrinkles. Recommended for tanning protection.

Do you know what hamam is? This is not at all what we are now offered everywhere in any fitness center, it’s not even close to comparable! If you still haven’t enjoyed a bath in Turkey, now I’ll tell you how we went to a real hammam.

You can immediately see if you are a novice tourist - your pale skin color will immediately spot you in the crowd and the beach barkers and guides will begin their attack. Therefore, as soon as we checked into a hotel in Kemer, we were immediately invited to visit a hammam in Turkey. They said that the tan after the bath would be much better and last longer. We delayed this a little and went to the hammam already tanned. At first we were more drawn to boat trips than some kind of trip to the sauna. Don't repeat our mistakes, friends. If you want to get 100 percent benefit from the hammam, go to it as soon as you set foot on Turkish soil)

Our reviews about hammam in Turkey

You will be offered an excursion to the Turkish hammam at the hotel or in a special bathhouse building with a dome. We were taken to a hammam located at the hotel, I didn’t remember the name. And this is not so important - SPA events held in Turkish baths are the same everywhere.

How much does a hammam cost in Turkey?

Hammam in Turkey, guides at the hotel are worth 50 dollars in street agencies and when booking online - 20 dollars, if you go to the bathhouse yourself it will be even cheaper, they charge only 10 dollars. As you understand, an independent hike does not imply a transfer, whereas when booking through Sputnik, for example, a taxi will come to pick you up at your hotel.

A typical Turkish hammam includes:

• soapy massage
• peeling
• oil massage
• face mask
• a glass of tea

You have to endure high temperatures, because in the steam room the air warms up to 50 degrees, and the humidity reaches 100 percent.

The entire washing procedure is divided in stages, so I will describe to you the hammam in Turkey in the same order as we went through it. The bathhouse is not divided into male and female halves, so you need to come to the hammam in a swimsuit. By the way, they will wash you in it, so it is advisable to wear a bikini.

Warming up in the Russian sauna

First we were invited to the sauna for 30 minutes. It is similar to our steam rooms - completely covered with wooden panels, the floors are made in the form of wide sun loungers. There are stones on which you can apply heat from a ladle. But we didn’t want to do this, since the sauna was already completely hot. Finally, when the sweat was pouring out like a hail and we already wanted to run away from there ourselves, a half-naked Turk invited us to the hammam.

Hamam in Turkey

It was a large room, completely tiled with marble. In the middle of the room there was a huge rectangular lounger. We were asked to lie down on this table with our stomachs down and rest. Marble gets very hot, so it’s nice to lie on a warm stone, but after the sauna we were tired and almost fell asleep.

Because of the steam, I couldn’t see anything in the hammam; I was almost falling asleep. Then I realize that someone is starting to rub my back. It turns out that the Turks came and started a soapy massage. Each visitor, and there were three of us in the hammam, was entitled to a personal soaper. Essentially, this massage is a washing procedure. Take a mitten made of horsehair, lather it heavily and rub it all over the body from the top of the head to the heels. After such peeling, the skin becomes smooth and renewed - which is what the guides talk about when they advise going to the hammam.

The feeling of being washed like a child - every finger and fold of your body - is simply divine. Of course, at first I couldn’t relax. After all, I was touched by a strange man, a young Turk, but then I saw my husband lying calmly next to me and enjoying the procedure - I also relaxed. I don’t think that these men, through whose hands hundreds of such tourists pass, have dirty thoughts creeping into their minds. You wouldn't wish it on your enemy to work all day in such heat.

The soapy massage lasted about half an hour, although at that moment I was as if in a dream. The hot air of the steam room, the heated lounger, covered in soap foam, and your hands slide over your body... Although you are lying in a swimsuit at this moment, the procedure still seems intimate. I woke up from a kiss - my husband woke me up this way. It turns out we had already been washed and were offered to go for another massage. It was not easy to get up; after the hammam, my legs became completely weak. Now we were separated one by one and each went to his own room.

Oil massage in Turkish hammam

This type of massage was also performed by a Turkish man. In a small room there was a sun lounger covered with a Turkish towel. Here, instead of soap, warm, delicious-smelling oil is applied to the entire body. I don't like the impact on my body and usually I feel pain during a massage, especially on my back. But then either I found a skilled massage therapist, or my body relaxed after the hammam - I happily spent the entire massage) The procedure lasted about half an hour. My husband’s massage was done much faster, and he was still waiting for me outside the door.

Rejuvenation mask

At the end of the oil massage, the Turkish man applied a mask with some kind of mixture to his face. It looked like clay, but we were assured that it was healing mud that had a rejuvenating effect. The effect of the mask could be assessed after 10 minutes. But since we were already squeaky clean, we didn’t really see the effect of the mask on the face.

Turkish tea

The final stage of the spa treatment was a pleasant relaxation on couches with aromatic tea. The tea was hot and fragrant with the smell of tangerines.

A transfer will take us back to the hotel, which also took us to the bathhouse. Two hours later, the taxi driver was already waiting for us at the exit. So don’t be afraid to buy a hammam excursion in Turkey from local barkers, their service will not let you down. By the way, as it turned out, the guides did not lie about the fact that after the hammam you will have a beautiful tan. We returned home so chocolatey that passersby turned to look at us for a long time.