WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT TURKISH OLIVE OIL SOAPS?

I remember, one of my favorite chick flick `My Big Fat Greek Wedding` where Gus Portakalos sprays Windex on everything that needs to be fixed! (ah he is the cutest!)

Well there are two things in Turkey which we use exactly like Gus and they are; Olive Oil and Yogurt

Want your hair to grow faster? Put some olive oil on it!

Sun burnt? Put some yogurt on it!

Dried hands? Olive oil!

And you can imagine how much we use olive oil soaps in daily basis or turkish hammam.

Here are the reasons why it is a good idea to use these handmade soaps;

1) Antioxidant Rich; Olive Oil is a natural source of the vitamins E and A, which fight free radicals and the benefits are there when rubbed into the skin in the form of soap.

2) Vegan; Olive Oil soap uses plant products instead of animal fat which is great when we all wish to avoid using animal products.

3) Moisturizing; Olive Oil cleans the skin without stripping away the natural oils and keeps it moisturized without blocking the pores. 

You can shop the handmade unscented Turkish Olive Oil Soaps HERE

VISITING ISTANBUL - CAGALOGLU HAMAM

Turkey is well known for the traditional Turkish Hamam (Turkish Bath) and treatments. Most of these hamams have been built during Ottoman Empire with amazing details from floors to doors and ceilings. When you visit Istanbul, you have many options when it comes to visit a Turkish hamam. But there is one which named One of the 1000 places to see before you die and according to The Guardian it is World´s Number #1 bath.

This amazing Hamam was constructed in 1741 and is the last hamam to be built after a long period during the Ottoman Empire. It is the last example of it´s kind and it is special because it is still operational in our time.

The door of the Women section is on a side street called Hamam while the Men´s entrance is form the main road with two marble columns with classic stalactite capitals on both sides.

You can see many celebrity pictures (from Kate Moss to John Travolta) on the walls before the entrance that have been visited to this amazing building.

Go to this Hamam, if you have enough time make it a day to experience a traditional hamam day, it definitely worths! Even if you do not have time for the bath it is so close to the Sultanahmet area (where Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque is) so you can stop by and check out why this place has made it to the 1000 places list!

TURKISH TRADITIONS - BRIDE HAMMAM

Are you ready for the biggest day of your life? 
Maybe there are only weeks left to your wedding or you just started planning.. In either way Bachelorette party is also on the list to be planned! 
Well, the options are mostly going out with the closest girl friends, dance some champagne & more! You can even become the star of the night club..
This might be the most common way, but also it is mostly exhausting only couple of days before the Wedding!


Well, in this blog post we want to introduce you to Traditional Turkish Bachelorette Party, Bride Hammam! This tradition has been the part of Turkish Culture since Ottoman Empire. It is extraordinary, so fun, authentic and a great detox right before the Big Day!

Here is the recipe of a real and fun Turkish Bride Hammam!

Ingredients;

- Closest girl friends

- Turkish Peshtemals for everyone

- Natural Olive Oil Soaps

- Hammam Sacs

- Some Turkish Copper Ewers & Mugs and Hammam Bowls for authentic decor

- Henna

- 3-4 different light Turkish Food

- Traditional Gifts for the guests

What happens on a Bride Hammam Party?

First of all, Bride gets a traditional full body wash and foam massage so that she will have a glowing skin and can relax in the middle of all the wedding rush:)

After the massage everyone enjoys delicious vegeterian Turkish foods, the menu usually have; Sarma, Dolma, Su Böregi and Lentilballs.

Just before the peeling everyone gets tasty Turkish Coffee with Turkish Delight, and the hennas which are prepared beforehand inside copper tray and copper cups are served. Now it is time to dance! You can hire Belly Dancers, watch their show and of course join them!

After the show bride gives the gifts to her friends as a memory of this beautiful day!

Olive Oil Soaps with Authentic Boxes can be great gifts! 

And now you are ready for your Wedding Day, all fresh and happy!

You can find all you need for this party on our website! Here is the list;

Turkish Peshtemals

Turkish Hammam Bowls

Natural Turkish Hammam Soaps

Turkish Copper Ewer

TOP 7 TURKISH BATH DECOR IDEAS WE LOVE

Turkish Bath (Hammam) is an important ritual for Turkish culture since Ottoman Empire. Today, maybe we do not visit Turkish Hammams as often but we love having hammam details in our bathrooms. It is possible to create your own Turkish Bath at home with small details and enjoy relaxing at bath old! Check out these decoration ideas to get inspired..
You can find the decorative objects on www.grandbazaarshopping.com

No.1 - ARABIAN INSPIRATION

As Ottoman Empire highly inspired by the Arabic architecture, Old Turkish Baths still have Arabian details. Rustic vintage objects and hammam slippers are great for creating an Ottoman Hammam look.

No.2 - MODERN HAMMAM DECOR

In Modern Hammam Decor, Ottoman Lanterns and Chandeliers are used for relaxing lighting and oriental look.

No.3 - IZNIK CERAMIC TILES

Iznik Ceramic Tiles are one of the most important details that is used both for Old and Modern Turkish Hammams. They are unique, hand painted and only made in Turkey.

 No.4 - TURKISH PESHTAMEL TOWELS

Turkish Peshtamel Towels are great for the decoration but also, they are light, eco-friendly and dry much faster than traditional towels.

 No.5 - OTTOMAN TAPS

Brass Ottoman Taps are the perfect details for the traditional look. They can be golden, silver or black colors. They are outstanding and will turn your bathroom into a relaxing Hammam!

No.6 - LUXURIOUS

You might prefer to create an Hammam, looking like a fairytale! You do not need to have an enormous space for a luxurious hammam. We suggest using gold colors, Iznik Ceramic Tiles, Turkish Mosaic Chandeliers and some fresh red roses.

No.7 SIMPLICITY

If you are more likely into simplicity, we suggest using small Ottoman Lamps, Copper Hammam Bowls, Copper Trays and Traditional Hammam Soaps for your Simple Turkish Hammam Decor.