Abstract:

Cleaning and refinement phenomenon, one of the constituents of both Turkish-Islamic belief system and Turkish customs and traditions, are the major causes that result in the structuring of Ottoman-Turkish bath and the formation of Ottoman-Turkish bath culture. The Ottoman bath structures, which existed in the Ottoman architectural typologies and were constructed within a foundation system, developed, flourished, and exhibited differentiation in periodical processes. Whereas the early Ottoman bath structures functioned only as the cleaning places of society, they started to have symbolical features in the following periods with socialization and performance of folkloric rituals. From the aspect of our socio-cultural history, another issue, which is as significant as the conventional architectural properties of Turkish bath structure, and the social rituals made there, is the materials used in Turkish baths and the metal objects among such materials. The metal objects of Turkish bath which were inherited from our ancestors possess artistic values within the context of art history discipline. Besides, they represented social status of their owner in the relevant period, therefore these objects are valuable for not only art history, but also socio-cultural history. In this study, the tools and materials such as bowl, washtub, pitcher, patten, censer, rose water flask, hammam kettle, soap dish and mirror were analyzed in terms of their forms, precious ornaments, craftsmanship and production techniques. Furthermore, it was aimed to evaluate the richness added by these objects to the traditional Turkish bath culture, their aesthetic characteristics and their place among the most treasured folkloric cultural values that survive until today and were passed on to new generations. Lastly, the importance of the traditional handicrafts applied to the materials as well as the need for protecting and developing them were highlighted.

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