One of the most beautiful features of these baths, meticulously crafted for sultans with attention to every detail, is the hamam basin. In authentic baths, inspired by Ottoman tradition, the hamam basins were made of marble. These basins, carved from first-class marble and granite, were crafted by skilled marble artisans. When we examine old hamam basins, we can see all the motifs of Ottoman art. Today, both in newly constructed and historic hamams, this tradition continues with designs that reflect the past to preserve the natural texture and keep it alive. As is known, the hamam basin is an oval water container with a ladle inside, where water accumulates, and multiple basins are used depending on the capacity of the bath. Although modern hamam basins are now available with custom-made and modern designs, the traditional Ottoman designs are still considered to maintain the authentic feel.

Hamam Basin Production

Marble is a type of composition formed by the recrystallization of limestone and dolomitic limestone through the process of metamorphism. The composition of marble consists of 90-98% calcium carbonate, with a small amount of magnesium carbonate. In marble compositions formed through calcium carbonate, the main mineral is calcite. Industrially, marble includes stones that can be cut and polished to any size and thickness. Regardless of the stone’s type or structure, if it can be obtained in large sizes, cut, or polished, it is classified as marble. Therefore, stones such as granite, diabase, and serpentine, which are igneous rocks formed from magma, are also classified as marble. Marble is widely used in many areas and is known as a material used in the production of hamam basins.