Steam rises anew in Turkey’s bath houses

Million-dollar bathhouses attracting investors

Old Istanbul’s bath houses hosted scheming Pashas and shapely concubines before modern bathrooms sent them into decline, but their appeal to tourists and the growth of the spa industry promise a revival. Developers are spending millions of dollars buying and restoring Istanbul’s finest hammams, or steam baths, after decades of neglect. They are banking on rising tourist numbers and a surge of interest among Turks in Ottoman customs.

Tourists are keen to experience them, their imaginations fuelled by tales of the sensuous Orient.

Turkey had 26.3 million visitors in 2008 and aims to attract an annual 63 million by 2023 with a program to boost infrastructure and market new destinations and vacation themes, including health and wellness.