The Çinili Hamam, also known as the Tiled Bath, is a historical hamam (Turkish bath) located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is renowned for its stunning tile work and architectural beauty, making it a prominent cultural and architectural landmark in the city.
The hamam was built during the Ottoman period in the early 17th century, specifically in 1640, by the order of the Grand Vizier and statesman Köprülü Mehmed Pasha. Its construction was part of a larger project that aimed to revitalize the urban fabric of Istanbul.
The Çinili Hamam takes its name from the intricate tilework that adorns its walls. “Çinili” translates to “tiled” in Turkish, and the hamam truly lives up to its name. The interior is decorated with exquisite Iznik tiles, featuring vibrant colors and intricate floral patterns. These tiles are a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of the Ottoman era.
The architectural design of the Çinili Hamam follows the traditional layout of Ottoman-era hammams. It consists of separate sections for men and women, each with its own entrance and bathing areas. The central domed chamber, known as the “göbektaşı,” serves as the heart of the hammam, where bathers would gather for relaxation and socialization.
Throughout its history, the Çinili Hamam has undergone periods of neglect and restoration. In the 19th century, it fell into disrepair but was later restored in the 20th century, bringing back its former glory. Today, it stands as a remarkable example of Ottoman architecture and a symbol of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage.
In addition to its architectural significance, the Çinili Hamam has also become a popular tourist attraction and a destination for those seeking traditional Turkish bath experiences. Visitors can immerse themselves in the historical ambiance, enjoy the serene atmosphere, and indulge in the traditional rituals of cleansing and relaxation.
Overall, the Çinili Hamam in Istanbul stands as a testament to the grandeur of Ottoman architecture and the rich bathing traditions of Turkish culture. Its exquisite tile work, historical significance, and immersive bathing experience continue to captivate visitors, making it an integral part of Istanbul’s cultural landscape.
During the 17th Istanbul Biennial which took place between September until November in 2022, the hammam’s unique presence truly underlined the beauty of the space. For a short period of time, visitors had a unique opportunity to witness this unique architectural artifact Çinili Hamam, which showcased in its original form with the gender separation characteristic that has been preserved for nearly 500 years since its initial establishment.
The exhibition featured Taloi Havi’s large-scale sound installation titled “Answer to the Call, 2021,” and the works of Renato Leotta, an artist based in Turin who incorporates various mediums such as photography, video, sound, sculpture, and painting, as well as archival materials. Leotta’s multimedia installation, titled “Posidonia – Concertino Per Il Mare” (Concertino for the Sea), was also on display.
It was a pleasure for us to be able to take part in such a historically significant space following an incredibly vast social and cultural event such as the Istanbul Biennial. Ethnicloom, as a brand, combines its expertise in producing seating poufs and cushions with its capacity for creating custom fabrics. With a focus on preserving and showcasing historical and cultural elements, the restoration project of the Çinili Hamam has been a meticulous endeavor.
For this restoration, Ethnicloom’s specialized fabrics were woven, utilizing their unique fabric production capabilities. Drawing inspiration from historical visuals, archives, and photographs, the project team delved into the rich history of the hammam, focussing on its cultural significance and historical elegance.
During the 17th Istanbul Biennial which took place between September until November in 2022, the hammam’s unique presence truly underlined the beauty of the space. For a short period of time, visitors had a unique opportunity to witness this unique architectural artifact Çinili Hamam, which showcased in its original form with the gender separation characteristic that has been preserved for nearly 500 years since its initial establishment.
The exhibition featured Taloi Havi’s large-scale sound installation titled “Answer to the Call, 2021,” and the works of Renato Leotta, an artist based in Turin who incorporates various mediums such as photography, video, sound, sculpture, and painting, as well as archival materials. Leotta’s multimedia installation, titled “Posidonia – Concertino Per Il Mare” (Concertino for the Sea), was also on display.
It was a pleasure for us to be able to take part in such a historically significant space following an incredibly vast social and cultural event such as the Istanbul Biennial. Ethnicloom, as a brand, combines its expertise in producing seating poufs and cushions with its capacity for creating custom fabrics. With a focus on preserving and showcasing historical and cultural elements, the restoration project of the Çinili Hamam has been a meticulous endeavor.
For this restoration, Ethnicloom’s specialized fabrics were woven, utilizing their unique fabric production capabilities. Drawing inspiration from historical visuals, archives, and photographs, the project team delved into the rich history of the hammam, focussing on its cultural significance and historical elegance.