Isa Bey Hamam, Ephesus
The 陌sa Bey Hamam, located just southwest of the 陌sa Bey Mosque in Sel莽uk, is a fascinating yet little-known historical structure that reflects the architectural and cultural traditions of 14th-century Anatolia. While it is uncertain whether the hamam was directly commissioned by the Aydinid ruler 陌sa Bey himself, an inscription found nearby鈥攏ow housed in the Sel莽uk-Efes Museum鈥攊ndicates that a figure named Hoca Ali oversaw its construction in late 1364, during 陌sa Bey's reign. Although the details surrounding Hoca Ali remain sparse, his gravestone, dated 1378, lies in the courtyard of the 陌sa Bey Mosque, suggesting his significance in the period.
Constructed with cut stone and brick, the hamam once featured ten domes, five of which still survive today, giving the structure a distinctive "beehive" appearance. Its interior layout follows the traditional progression of Turkish baths derived from Roman prototypes鈥攎oving from the changing room to the warm room, and finally to the hot room. The hot chamber, is especially notable for its central dome and cruciform arrangement, with four domed private chambers in each corner. Natural light filters through the now-empty glass openings in the domes, casting shifting patterns of shadow across the marble floors and stucco walls, some of which still show traces of decorative detail.
Archaeological evidence suggests that the bath was initially built for men, with a separate women鈥檚 section added later, complete with its own entrance. The remnants of surrounding chambers, thought to be shops, are consistent with some other Turkish bath complexes, although these additions do not appear to have had an organic link to the main building. There is also speculation that one of the northern extensions may have served as a felt-making workshop, which was a feature in some larger hamams of the time.
Today, the 陌sa Bey Hamam stands in partial ruin on 1055 Street, about 200 meters from both the 陌sa Bey Mosque and the solitary column of the Temple of Artemis. Though the site is fenced and lacks modern facilities, it remains open at all hours and can be freely explored. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy shoes due to uneven terrain, and bring water and a hat, as the area offers little shade.
Constructed with cut stone and brick, the hamam once featured ten domes, five of which still survive today, giving the structure a distinctive "beehive" appearance. Its interior layout follows the traditional progression of Turkish baths derived from Roman prototypes鈥攎oving from the changing room to the warm room, and finally to the hot room. The hot chamber, is especially notable for its central dome and cruciform arrangement, with four domed private chambers in each corner. Natural light filters through the now-empty glass openings in the domes, casting shifting patterns of shadow across the marble floors and stucco walls, some of which still show traces of decorative detail.
Archaeological evidence suggests that the bath was initially built for men, with a separate women鈥檚 section added later, complete with its own entrance. The remnants of surrounding chambers, thought to be shops, are consistent with some other Turkish bath complexes, although these additions do not appear to have had an organic link to the main building. There is also speculation that one of the northern extensions may have served as a felt-making workshop, which was a feature in some larger hamams of the time.
Today, the 陌sa Bey Hamam stands in partial ruin on 1055 Street, about 200 meters from both the 陌sa Bey Mosque and the solitary column of the Temple of Artemis. Though the site is fenced and lacks modern facilities, it remains open at all hours and can be freely explored. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy shoes due to uneven terrain, and bring water and a hat, as the area offers little shade.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Ephesus. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Isa Bey Hamam on Map
Sight Name: Isa Bey Hamam
Sight Location: Ephesus, Turkey (See walking tours in Ephesus)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Ephesus, Turkey (See walking tours in Ephesus)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Ephesus, Turkey
Create Your Own Walk in Ephesus
Creating your own self-guided walk in Ephesus is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ephesus Introduction Walking Tour
Ephesus, the most important Greek city in Ionian Asia Minor, the ruins of which lie near the modern village of Sel茍uk in western Turkey. Ephesus is one of the largest and most impressive ancient cities in the world and is one of T眉rkiye鈥檚 most significant ancient cities. Its cultural and historical significance was highlighted in its addition to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2015. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Selcuk Introduction Walking Tour
Sel莽uk is a town near Izmir, in western Turkey. It鈥檚 the gateway to Ephesus, a vast, ancient city with the remains of a large theater and the Library of Celsus. South is the House of Virgin Mary, a domed chapel and religious shrine. Near Sel莽uk, a marble column is one of a few remains of the Temple of Artemis. The Ephesus Museum has more items from the temple, plus other artifacts excavated... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles