When you step through the doors of Hızırbey Hamam, you are greeted not just by a historical space, but by a centuries-old philosophy of purification. The cornerstone and most intriguing step of this philosophy is undoubtedly the ‘kese’. So, what does this pivotal word in hamam culture truly mean? Let’s discover the essence of this ancient ritual together.
First, to Understand: What is a Kese?
The word “kese” carries two primary meanings: one is the object used in the ritual, and the other is the ritual itself.
- The Kese as an Object: A kese is a traditional exfoliating glove or mitt, engineered to mechanically peel the outermost layer of dead skin. It typically has a coarse texture, woven from materials like silk, goat hair, or plant fibers. Different types exist with varying textures to suit different skin sensitivities. This simple but effective tool is the product of centuries of skincare wisdom.
- The Kese as a Ritual: In hamam culture, “kese” is much more than the name of the glove. The word signifies the very act of bodily purification. This is not just a cleaning, but a ritual of “renewal,” “lightening,” and “refreshing.” It is a session to shed the physical and symbolic weights one carries. It forms the foundation of the hamam experience, preparing the skin for subsequent treatments like the foam massage.
The Benefits of the Kese Ritual
Now that we understand what a kese is, we can appreciate why it is so important. Its benefits are countless:
- Your Skin Breathes: Your pores are cleared, allowing your skin to feel cleansed and revitalized.
- Improved Blood Circulation: The rhythmic motions of the kese stimulate blood flow, delivering more oxygen to your skin.
- A Sense of Lightness: With every layer of dead skin that is shed, you feel mentally and spiritually lighter and renewed.
- Smooth and Vibrant Skin: After the kese, your skin will have a softness, smoothness, and radiance akin to that of a baby.
How the Kese Ritual is Performed, Step by Step
Step 1: Preparation – Softening the Body It all begins with relaxing your body in the warm, steamy atmosphere of the hamam. To prepare the skin perfectly for the kese, it is essential to remain in this warm environment and perspire for at least 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Lying on the Göbek Taşı (The Navel Stone) The heart of the ritual takes place on the göbek taşı, the large, heated marble platform situated in the center of the hamam. You lay your body on the warm marble, ready to surrender yourself to our expert.
Step 3: The Master’s Touch – The Exfoliation Our expert attendant (tellak for men or natır for women) wets the kese with warm water and begins. With a practiced rhythm and pressure that does not harm the skin, they start to exfoliate. It is surprising, yet deeply satisfying, to see the dead skin visibly roll off your body during this process.
Step 4: The Rinsing After the exfoliation is complete, your body is thoroughly rinsed with warm water, often poured from a traditional copper bowl.
The Sensation After Kese
When the kese ritual is finished, you don’t just feel clean. You feel light as a feather, renewed, and filled with an incredible sense of energy.
Why a Professional Kese?
The difference between a kese performed at home and one performed by a master in a hamam lies in the professional’s touch. Our tellaks and natırs know the precise pressure, angle of movement, and rhythm suitable for every skin type, ensuring an experience that is both safe and maximally effective.
We invite you to experience this unique purification in the 570-year-old atmosphere of Hızırbey Hamam. Discover this ancient art with our “The Traditional One” ritual and witness the rebirth of your skin.