Jennifer’s Hamam
Good for: towels, handmade textile lovers, various hamam related products, authentic turkish linens, handmade soaps
- Address
- 135 Arasta Bazaar Sultanahmet
- Transport
- Website
- Phone
- 212 518 0648
- Hours
- 9am-10.30pm Apr-Sep, 9am-7.30pm Oct-Mar
Lonely Planet review for Jennifer’s Hamam
Owned by Canadian Jennifer Gaudet, this recently opened shop stocks hamam items including towels, robes and peştemals (bath wraps) produced on old hand looms or hand/motor looms. It also sells natural soaps, kese (coarse cloth mittens used for depilation) and rosense products (natural rose hand and body products from Isparta).
Traveller reviews for Jennifer’s Hamam (36)
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High quality products and service
mom26 recommends this,
If you are looking for high quality linens I highly recommend Jennifer's Hamam. We are from the States but currently living in Istanbul. I have purchased pestemals (towels traditionally used in a hamam), bath towels, and scarves at many locations throughout the city and none of them have lasted like the items purchased at Jennifer's. All of the items are soft, sturdy and retain their colors after use and washing. We love our towels so much that we have returned and purchased bedding as well. In addition to the high quality of the items, the items are made in Turkey with organic Turkish materials by family weavers. The staff is helpful, patient and does not pressure you into making a purchase. Jennifer's Haman actually has 2 storefronts in the Arasta Bazaar (the Arasta Bazaar runs alongside the Blue Mosque). Look for the Canadian flag hanging above the door.
Good for: textiles, linens
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Lovely Shop, Lovely Products, Sustainable Philosophy . . .
telavicon recommends this,
Had heard about the shop from friends, but was more than pleasantly surprised by the selection, assistance and welcoming atmosphere. The products are beautiful; Jennifer is working with the local people to keep traditions alive and quality high. She also had great recommendations for an off-the-beaten path Hamam and restaurant in the area. I highly recommend a visit!
Good for: various hamam related products, Quality Turkish Towels, Peshtamels
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Best Turkish Robes and Towels, authenic and organic
fly2ctheworld recommends this,
Jennifer's Hamam has great quality goods that are not the typical Bazaar fare. Jennifer, a Canadian, was in the store when I came in and we had an interesting conversation about where she gets her merchandise and her personal philosophy. She travels through Turkey and visits villages where they loom her cloth. Her Robes are so thick and comfy. I never take mine off when I am at home. Her store has the better quality soaps and creams and she makes it a point to let you know she stands by her products. She also has the best book I have ever seen written about Turkey. As I understand it, it was 5 years in the writing to create this comprehensive, filled with photos, book. The nice thing is that Jennifer is usually in her store and you can talk to her about the products. She can tell you how and why the merchandise came to be. She comes off as very sincere and really wants to make a difference in the world by using organic ingredients, hand loomed cotton and authentic dying processes. Everyone says their towels are Turkish but, that is not always the case. If you are lucky enough to find her in her store she is a great resource on Turkey and understanding the culture as a westerner. Plus the Arasta bazaar is open a lot later than the grand bazaar and has a much more peaceful and relaxed vibe. Look for the Canadian flag outside the store.
Good for: towels, Robes, Istanbul book, bath products, specila gifts
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ighest quality hand-loomed Turkish towel and linens
merrittb18 recommends this,
Wandering behind the Blue Mosque, I came upon a cute shopping street with higher quality products that what I had been seeing in Istanbul. One in particular, Jennifer's Hamam, had luxurious hamam products, pestamels, thick looped towels, soaps and more. The towels and linens are hand-loomed by traditional Turkish families where the skills and high quality have been handed down through generations. They are beautiful, elegant and come in so many colors, sizes and price ranges that it will be hard to choose. Plan not to rush, and take it all in. Jennifer's shop is beautifully edited and arranged - matching the care and quality put into her beautiful products. Go to the Grand Bazaar for sensory overload and entertainment, but do your quality purchasing at Jennifer's Hamam.
Good for: Gifts and spoiling yourself!
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A happy accident
mckyau recommends this,
Well I didn't see any of these reviews, but since stumbling upon not one, but two of Jennifer's shops in the Arasta Bazaar, I am a total convert! These are the most awesome towels - the colours and designs are stunning and best of all, they're all organic and hand woven too. I have been showing everyone my amazing towels and everyday i step out of the shower and wrap myself in one, i feel really happy. No more factory towels for me!
Anyway as a true convert, I'm telling you to stop by and see for yourself. Jennifer or her staff really take the time to talk to you and educate you about this craft, and there's no pressure. The only pressure came from my husband who told me to stop buying so much! -
A most friendly oasis; a bath's perfect introduction.
pstambler recommends this,
Jennifer's Hamam sells the best towels available, made by real weavers. The bath towels and robes are plush. Jennifer's shop also sells bath accessories, essences, even the occasional doll. Best of all, the shop is entirely friendly, pressure-free, and cheerful.
Good for: towels, bath accessories
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Une robe de chambre pour devenir un roi!
rachelmonnat recommends this,
En traversant Arasta Bazaar, je cherchais une idée pour l'anniversaire de mon ami. J'ai été stoppé par une robe de chambre qui me faisait de l'oeil dans une vitrine. Dans le magasin, j'ai reçu un accueil très chaleureux. J'ai d'abord trouvé un peu cher.Ils m'ont expliqué que c'était fait main, d'une rare qualité, le seul à Istanbul et ça se voyait!
J'ai regardé les autres robes de chambre, moins couteux, très belle, mais elle me plaisait pas autant que la première. Rien qu'en la regardant on sentait la rondeur, la douceur, l'ampleur du tissus. Je suis repartie d'abord sans rien. Les vendeurs ont respectés mon hésitation, sans être envahissant, ce qui la plus grande qualité chez moi pour un vendeur!
Après un quart d'heure, de réflexions, je suis retournée au magasin pour l'acheter. En l'offrant à mon ami, il a été ravi! D'ailleurs, c'est quelqu'un de très critique. Quel enthousiaste en voyant cette robe de chambre, il a vu tout de suite le travail minutieux du tissus. En pleine hiver, c'est un régal pour lui de se déshabiller matin et soir pour pouvoir mettre cet habit, si doux, si chaud. A chaque fois qu'il le porte, il se sent heureux comme un roi!
Et pour la qualité du tissus, l'article n'était vraiment pas cher!Attention, il y a actuellement deux magasins dans Arasta Bazaar, il faut regarder le drapeau "Cnd" dans la vitrine et vous êtes chez "Jennifer's Hamam"!
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Fabulous place to buy Turkish Spa products
wrongmom recommends this,
We went to Jennifer's Hamam shop based on recommendations in Lonely Planet and other guidebooks. The quality, texture, colors, all exceeded what we saw elsewhere in Istanbul for Turkish bath products. We fell in love with the pestamels and are even thinking about starting a business importing these to the US. Jennifer's enthusiasm and support for maintaining this industry is remarkable. Handmade products like these need to be encouraged and supported or these skills will be forever lost. Look for the Canadian Flag in the 2 shops in the Arrasta Bazaar behind the Blue Mosque.
Good for: authentic turkish linens
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An awesome place to buy gifts and support Turkish weaving
cg2011 recommends this,
I just saw anabells review and am a bit mystified. I don't recall ever thinking the shop was an NGO, it certainly doesn't claim to be one. As for the store's place in the LP things to do, write to the LP editor and ask them why their categories are so mixed. I think a Venice bike shop ranks second? Though Jennifer's Hamam has shorter lines than the Eiffel Tower (that was a joke, folks!) - anyway her products ARE gorgeous, unique and well-made. And by creating a market for these products, the craft of weaving them remains viable. Which is certainly worth a mention; so many crafts die out if they become unsustainable for the people doing them. Thank you, Jennifer's Hamam, for keeping the art of towel and pestamel weaving alive! I love my towels and recommend Jennifer's Hamam. And the Eiffel Tower too, of course.
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Unique towels, bathrobes, and other textiles
aehny recommends this,
After two months living in Istanbul, I finally made it to Jennifer's Hamam, and it was a wonderful experience. I purchased a beautiful bathrobe (made of turquoise-and-white peshtemal) for myself, as well as a set of towels for my parents as a Christmas gift. Jennifer is passionate about the towels and textiles that she sells, and is also -preserving- a cultural practice that is become less and less common in Turkey. Her products come in a wide range of styles, colors, and weights, and she explained the differences among them so that I could make the best decision. She also arranged for shipping of the gift for my parents from Istanbul to the US (and even shipped it the same day). If you want something unique, beautiful, and practical to remind you of your visit to Turkey, this is definitely the place. She has two stores in the Arasta Bazaar, so seek out both to see the full range of Jennifer's offerings. Also: be sure to look for the Canadian flag in the window -- that's how you'll know you've found the "real" Jennifer's Hamam.
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Great place to treat yourself!
iviza recommends this,
I was walking with my wife in the Arasta Bazaar, a short distance from the Blue Mosque, when we came across Jennifer's Hamam. A shop with a multitude of hand woven organic cotton items including Turkish towels and robes.
Jennifer has scarves and shawls in many different qualities of cotton and linen and they are priced accordingly, so everyone can find something to suit their wallet. I also visited many others, off the beaten path, textile shops but found none compared in quality or pricing to Jennifer's Hamam. Jennifer is so knowledgeable and interesting. I learned that she is the only certified organic textile vendor in Istanbul.
I bought beautiful scarves, bathrobes and peshtamels in a wonderful array of colours, stripes and plaids, for myself and as gifts because the prices were so great!
There are two shops in the Arasta Bazaar - right behind the Blue Mosque- both have Canadian flags in the window. So, be sure you're in the right place! -
Shopping at Jennifer's Hamam is a must!!!!!
ivannav recommends this,
At Jennifer's Hamam I not only found a shop full of the most beautiful scarves, towels, robes...but the most genuine, helpful, informed staff.
Jennifer and her staff will assist you and educate you in the wide variety of organic cotton, silk, and bamboo towels, pestamels, robes, and scarves and they do so in such a welcoming and generous way. The hardest part of the experience is having to make choices and not buy the whole store.
I should mention she also has wonderful skincare products.
This is one store you will not bargain, the prices are set but are honest to goodness prices.
I would suggest going early on in your visit so you do not blow your shopping budget elsewhere and then discover this superb shop. Also, make sure you go to the shop with the Canadian flag in the window as it seems Jennifer's success has created some inauthentic copies that are certainly not the real deal.
Above all else, Jennifer is admirably helping to preserve the art of hand weaving these fantastic organic textiles and thereby is creating jobs and contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future. It felt good to know I was not only buying incredible, useful and beautiful products, but also supporting a way of life that may not have been preserved.
I bought a couple of bath towels as well as several hand and face towels. Once I got home, I followed Jennifer's washing instruction and the towels turned out to be thick, soft, and very very absorbent! I gave some hand towels to friends as a souvenir, and they all love the design and quality.
I feel confident that all my purchases will last many decades, and they certainly have much more meaning than factory produced items.
Shopping at Jennifer's Hamam is a must for anyone visiting Istanbul. -
Fun experience in the shop but less than satisfactory towels
renman does not recommend this,
We bought several bath towels, pestamels and face cloths and followed the directions for soaking and washing prep. Unfortunately the first time I washed the bath towels (on gentle) their sides unravelled. I think that good quality towels should not unravel. It was disappointing as they were quite expensive. Also, the towels are not very absorbent in spite of the repeated washing recommended by Jennifer. It was a fun experience in the shop but not a very satisfying purchase. Oh well...I was so looking forward to the turkish towels.
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A unique peek into Turkish culture by way of artisanal work
tpicha recommends this,
I guess the Canadian flag above the shop's door captured my attention, but mostly it was the sumptuous, wildly colourful towels in the front window. I had no idea I could love a towel so much. But when Jennifer explained almost the entire artisanal history behind the handmade silk scarf I bought and then moved on to how the towels are made by weavers in the Turkish countryside -- skills that are fast disappearing -- I was totally hooked. I walked away with truly beautiful handmade and 100% organic pieces and learned a lot more about Turkey than I bargained for just strolling through the Arasta Bazaar. Was happy to find another of their stores a little further along the way in the bazaar, too.
Good for: silk scarves from heaven, handmade textile lovers, handmade soaps
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Fabulous Find in the Arasta Bazaar
mrn79 recommends this,
I stopped in Jennifer's Hamam while shopping in Istanbul. I was pleasantly surprised to find that everything was organic and handmade (not very common in Turkey). They have pestemals in every color and at every price point as well as other bath offerings such as towels, pumice, and robes. Jennifer and her staff were extremely helpful and knowledgeable and guided me in finding the exact pestemal that I wanted plus told me where to find a true Turkish hamam that charges reasonable prices and gives a first class authentic experience (a difficult find in Istanbul). There are two Jennifer's Hamam stores in the Arasta Bazaar (I only made into the first one I came across) and you can tell it's the real deal by the Canadian flag hanging in the window. I highly recommend stopping in to check out their products.
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Very friendly & informed service. High Quality Products.
atasse recommends this,
I'm not sure why this is rated so high in all of Europe, but it did get me in the door and I am glad I went. I felt welcomed, and learned about the materials. It's a small little shop with a big heart. I wish I could have bought more!
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Amazing linens
alibeth recommends this,
Word spread quickly through our Escape to Shape group that Jennifer's Hamam was THE place for wonderful, plush, organic cotton towels and other beautiful linens. I went in there intending to buy towels and left with the MOST amazing blanket I've ever owned. It's hand-woven on a loom and made from organic cotton. It's the softest blanket ....all I wanted to do was curl up on the couch and snuggle into the softness. Jennifer gave all the women who bought from her (free of charge!) a bag to carry their items in that could also be checked as a piece of luggage at the airport. The workmanship in the blanket is amazing. It's full of beautiful colors and each of the blankets we saw was unique. The weather finally turned cool enough in New England for me to be able to curl up on the couch...I'm typing this review as I sit here with the blanket wrapped around me and am very very happy. Jennifer has 2 stores in the Arasta Bazaar...just look for the Canadian flag!
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Best Shop Ever
nickymf recommends this,
Planning on visiting a hamam while in Istanbul, I wanted to buy my own Kese (hamam glove) before I went, and it sounded like this was the perfect place to buy one.
However, once I walked into the shop, I discovered so much more!
The linens are absolutely divine. They range from pestamel (the thin cotton towels you use in the hamam), through to the most amazing woven bath towels. They come in a range of cotton grades, and a huge array of colours and patterns. The quality of the products is what Turkey used to be renowned for.
Having been to the Grand Bazaar the previous day, it was refreshing to be able to talk to salesmen that weren't pushy, and who were very well informed about their products. We were given a demonstration on how to tell a good quality cotton, and also how to tell real silk by the way it burns. Jennifer herself showed us a video of the last family in Turkey that harvests silk worms, which I found incredibly interesting.
We left with arms full of gifts for friends, and for ourselves! I also found my kese, from which i've had compliments about how 'amazingly smooth' my skin is.
Overall, it felt really good making a purchase of a high quality product that was locally made, knowing that you are helping to revive a dying art.
There are two of Jennifer's shops in the Arasta Bazaar, remember to look out for the Canadian flag in the window.Good for: gifts, authentic turkish linens, learning about turkish culture
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The best towels in the World in my opinion
charley2xx recommends this,
We absolutely love the towels we bought from Jennifer's Hamam during our honeymoon to Istanbul in August 2011 and in my opinion they are the best in the world!
Jennifer spent ages with us, explaining how they were made and all the qualities of the fabric. I loved how knowledgable and enthusiastic she was about her product.
We're back home now but every time we use our towels, we are transported back to our honeymoon - its such a lovely way to remember happy times!If you love textiles - this is definitely a place to visit. Much nicer too than the Grand Bazaar where you feel you are getting ripped off - here you pay for quality that lasts.
Good for: Quality textiles
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Quality products
lamade recommends this,
Jennifer knows her stuff. She has a selection of items that differ in price range. They are all organic and well made.
I certainly recommend this shop for quality textiles.
You should also check out Yilmaz Ipekcilik, which a few minutes walking distance away. This shop is run by a family who makes and sells mostly silk made items like shawls and other goods. It is very reasonable price wise. Enjoy Istanbul, it is magical!
Good for: turkish towels
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Go HERE!!!!!
trevifountain63 recommends this,
Jennifer's Hamam is a must see for any traveler in Istanbul. The time Jennifer takes to explain to you the care taken to create her products and the way that you should care for them, you can tell she really has a passion. The things she sells are exquisite and are really the best quality goods in all of Turkey! If you're going to shop anywhere in Istanbul, forget the rug shops and the Grand Bizarre (a glorified tourist trap) go to Jennifer's Hamam! And She's STUDENT FRIENDLY!!!!
Good for: hand-made towels, hand-made robes, various hamam related products
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EXQUISITE shop - A Must See
rexstepholi recommends this,
We were entranced from the moment we opened the door. Luxuriously soft textiles, beautiful colourways. These products are made traditionally on hand looms from the purest organic cottons etc and are an absolute work of art. The dilemma was making a choice from the extensive range!! We are quite particular about how (and if) we spend our money but we had to have something. The bath towels that we bought are sensational and we will definitely be adding to our collection via the postal service. The owner is passionate about her products and is so friendly and helpful. We fully recommend a visit to Jennifer's Hamam which is located in an arcade of beautiful shops - another reason to go!
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Beautifully hand woven, high quality pestamels
brunouna recommends this,
My daughter visited Jennifer's Hamam after researching where to buy the best pestamels in Istanbul and brought some home. I have since ordered over a dozen from Jennifer. It feels great to support the artistans who are trying to keep their art alive and organic cotton. These towels are thin but VERY absorbent and look so beautiful hanging on the wall. The shipment arrived promptly and in perfect condition. Jennifer has 2 shops in the Arasta Bazaar, just look for the Canadian flag in the window!
Good for: craft and textile lovers, handmade textile lovers, handmade soaps
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invaluable cultural preservation, plus gorgeous textiles too
easteighth recommends this,
Jennifer and her husband are doing amazing things to preserve an endangered art in Turkey - I walked in to get a gift for my mother on a recent trip back to Istanbul, on a friend's suggestion, and I was mesmerized by the gorgeous towels, hamam towels, and scarves that filled the shop. Jennifer is obviously so passionate about her work, but more importantly - at least to me - she really respects the work that goes into each piece, and the people whose hands wove the threads. I spent at least an hour ogling my favorite pieces, and I left with a beautiful silk scarf woven by the last silk weavers in all of Turkey that still raise their own silkworms. And as a special treat, Jennifer and her husband even showed me a video of their last visit to Hatay, where the scarves and towels were woven. Jennifer's Hamam is definitely a shop not to be missed on even the briefest trip to Istanbul.
Good for: gifts, handmade textile lovers, scarf wearers
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Not to be missed for absolute best selection,quality,service
tbezan recommends this,
I cannot express without using constant superlatives how delightful and impressive this gem of a shop brings the highest quality products to the public. Jennifer and her staff are kind, generous and most knowledgeable about the gorgeous and sumptuous towels, linens, pestamels and other home and bath products. It is well worth setting aside some time to spend in this shop. I have given towels and scarves as gifts upon my return from Istanbul and everyone raved about the colors,textures, and overall unique quality of the products. There are many cheaper imitations around the city claiming to be organic and handmade , so be advised they are not the same. Look for the Canadian flag in the window and be prepared for a wonderful, educational, and most enjoyable shopping experience! Go early in your trip if you can before you buy a lot of other "stuff".
I just want to add an update: since my visit in May, I have been so happy putting all my purchases to use. I really appreciate the quality even more now that I have using the towels everyday for 9 months. Not only do they wash beautifully and have exceptional absorbency, they FEEL great on the skin. The pestamels are a multi-pupose piece and great for traveling as well. It really feels good to buy a quality product that is contributing to sustaining an important cultural art, as well as the benefits of buying organic cotton, both for our health and the well being or our planet! -
The best Turkish textiles for the best prices!
booie recommends this,
I work in the textile industry in New York City and love seeking out the best towels, scarves, and linens around the world. My favorite place is Jennifer's Hamam in Istanbul! The second i walked through her door, with the Canadian flag hanging in the window, I knew that i had found a treasure chest of goodies. Her bath towels are so thick and beautifully hand-woven - you can feel the quality. I saw similar looking towels at both Dervish and Abdullah's in the Grand Bazaar but they were half the thickness, machine made, and more expensive!?! Jennifer has scarves and shawls in many different qualities of cotton and linen and they are priced accordingly, so everyone can find something to suit their wallet. I also visited many other, off the beaten path, textile shops but found none compared in quality or pricing to Jennifer's Hamam. Jennifer is so knowledgeable and interesting -i learned that she is the only certified organic textile vendor in Istanbul and that she is single-handedly trying to preserve a dwindling textile industry throughout turkey. I bought beautiful scarves, bathrobes and peshtamels (long cotton wraps for your hamam visit) in a wonderful array of colors, stripes and plaids, for myself and as gifts because the prices were so great! There are two shops in the Arasta Bazaar - right behind the Blue Mosque- both have Canadian flags in the window. So, be sure you're in the right place!
Visited June 2011
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A look back at excellence
fortydays recommends this,
I travel for a living and find that over the past 20 years shopping in all the exotic destinations has become mundane and boring. Everything is from China and nothing belongs to the culture of the area anymore.
It had been 3 years since my last visit to Istanbul and at that time Jennifer's Hamam didn't exist. Only one walk down the Arasta Bazaar on my way somewhere else and I notice the store front (not to mention the big Cnd. flag).
That evening on the way back from my appointment, I went in and spent the most pleasant 2 hours I've spent in a very long time. It was the first time in ages I had really given my credit card a good workout and I enjoyed every penny of it.
Jennifer is a joy! overflowing with passion and knowledge, just waiting to share and teach. Quality oozes out of every shelf of this little shop and you will find little treasures that you've never seen anywhere else.
It's been 2 months since my visit there and I've already written Jennifer to order more things. As beautiful as they were in the shop, they are far more beautiful to use. In a world of Chinese made and things that last for only a few washes, what a surprise to find something of this caliber.
My only wish could be that she expand the line of things that she is doing into pajamas, clothing, etc., but even if she never gets this far, she has a fan for life that will never buy another towel, robe or scarf from any other store in the world.
Bravo!!!
Good for: best towels in the world, quality and service, silk scarves from heaven, robes for a Sultan
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Handwoven Turkish Linens and Towels
pmather recommends this,
Handwoven in a traditional Turkish manner these bed linens and towels are wonderful products. We heard about this company through lonely planet guide and we were intrigued. We corresponded with owner Jennifer Gaudet and she was extremely helpful in figuring out what we wanted. She made the whole process seamless (pardon the pun) and easy. The product is fantastic. The unique textured pattern(designed by Jennifer and her weavers) lull you into a deep sleep. The towels are incredibly absorbent and wonderful to the touch. The peshtamels are colorful and my wife is going to use them as a beach wrap. We highly recommend this company and product.
Good for: Turkish Linens
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Best Bazaar experience ever
melistanbul recommends this,
Today at the suggestion of a IWI (International Women of Istanbul) member we visited a shop in the Arasta Bazaar that the members had previously visited and had been very impressed by. A most wonderful towel shop containing towels made with traditional methods and hard to match quality. The thought that your hard earned money goes to hard working individuals trying to keep alive old traditions of craftsmanship which is a dying art, is in itself a great feeling.
She has organic cotton and high quality silk, wool and bamboo. All woven so beautifully that it would make any textile fiend weep with joy at such treasures.
The Canadian owner, a very brave lady to start a business in a very male dominated industry, was passionate enough to tell the stories of each line of towels she is proud to have in her shop.
Now, I am a true skeptic when it comes to Bazaar shopping, even though I speak Turkish I find it hard to find businessmen you can trust and am often disappointed by the lack of quality in craftsmanship and the lack of pride in what they offer. The products are rarely of quality you were hoping for and you can not be sure this Turkish souvenir you just purchased was even made in Turkey.
This all adds to why I was so pleased to be introduced to Jennifer, a lady who clearly worked very hard to present her customers with what they see in her shop today. Which is pure hard work and labor of love.
Every item is more beautiful then the last and when you have heard the beginnings of each item, and felt the quality between your fingers you are left with a hard to make decision as to which ones you will cherish in your home and rave about to your friends for years to come for such good quality lavish items.
The general public has forgotten that quality used to be something to behold and we bought things to last for years. Now the general thinking seems to be "Well it's cheap so if it falls apart in a couple of months I can replace it."
I have a background in Printed Textiles and so find myself slightly obsessed about good quality materials especially ones I bring into my home for my family to use, so I can confidently say Jennifer has the kind of quality in store that you want to keep going back to for gifts, for personal use or for sheer pleasure. Suffice to say I bought a few treats while making a list of all the goodies I planned to purchase on my next trip there. I should mention she also has wonderful skincare products, scarves, dressing gowns, bed spreads and much more.
This is one store you will not bargain, the prices are set but are honest to goodness prices. As there are stores that are trying to impersonate hers, make sure to spot the Canadian flag on her window and grab a business card which of course will tell you you are in the right place. Jennifer was also very helpfull informing us which other local businesses are trustworthy in offering good quality products and artisanship so if you had other shopping fantasies to fulfill she is your lady.
Enjoy! -
I'll take one of everything please.
nihaomainchina recommends this,
What a great shopping experience! Jennifer and her staff are knowledgeable and friendly without being pushy. I appreciated her western style technique of helping me understand her products so I could make an informed decision. It was hard to decide which of the beautiful towels and peshtamels to buy! Jennifer has her own designs and a beautiful display. Her products are exceptionally high quality and very reasonably priced. She has two shops in Arasta Bazaar which is a testament to how successful her products are. I really enjoyed shopping at Jennifer's Hamam and now I am enjoying using my towels!
Good for: turkish towels, organic cotton, hand-made towels
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Must See!!!!
aimeesadie recommends this,
On my trip to Istanbul recently i passed a store in the Arasta Bazaar. Jennifer's Hamam is a store that you have to visit if you are planning a trip to istanbul! It has the most beautiful collection of hand woven silk scarves , hand made soaps and the towels will take your breath away!!!! If looking for something special as a gift for a friend or just something luxurious for yourself this store is a must see! you won't be dissappointed!! I certainly wasn't and the service was outstanding!!! Thank you for making my trip a memorable one i will be back
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Fellow Canuck saving Turkish Weaving
bgrant1996 recommends this,
I was on the plane flying into Istanbul yesterday and they gave me a Turkish newspaper in English to read (Hurriyet Daily News). There was a fantastic article about a Canadian woman doing eco-friendly weaving. I only had a short lay-over, but I specifically left the airport to go see this shop.
All I can say is WOW!!! I've been to Istanbul dozens of times and like the owner, Jennifer, of Jennifer's Hamam, I am a super textile freak. I've been to all the shops that sell towels and pestamel, but this ..... what a treat!!!
I can't say enough about the quality, selection, colours or the information imparted to me by the owner. And to be able to deal with a woman ... also a rare treat in Istanbul.
I will never buy another towel, pestamel or (did I mention about the silk scarves - unbelievable!) scarf anywhere else, but here. -
woven fabrics of a quality beyond any dispute
migselv recommends this,
Beeing in Istanbul you should not miss going to the shop of Jennifer Gaudet in the Sultanahmet Bazaar called Jennifer's Hamam. It is a veritable Aladdins Cave for all who appriciate the great qualities of turkish traditionel woven fabrics. You will find a wide selection of hamam towels of different styles and colours, all of them of a quality beyond any dispute. For Christmas I used some towels made of the lightest woven fabrics as gifts for my husband, who travels a lot by nighttrain, and my two grownup children, who both of them often go swimming. They all have been delighted to experience how absorbant and quick-drying these towels are, much better than modern travel-towels.( I knew allready from my own experience with a similar towel bought 40 years ago on a trip to Turkey). Furthermore you will find the owner Jennifer Gaudet a most sympatic sales(wo)man of rare patience and great knowledge.
Good for: travelling
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While in Istanbul...Don't miss Jennifer's for Turkish Linens
tamarajwagner recommends this,
On my recent trip to Turkey, I popped in to the most beautiful linens shop. I met Jennifer of "Jennifer's Hamam" (Turkish Bath) and was just astonished at all the wonderful products she has to offer. Gorgeous Woven Towels made from Organic Turkish Cotton by one of the few families left who still do this quality of work.The shop is filled with Robes, Table Clothes, Bed Covers, Pure Rose Oil, Rose Water and incredible smelling Soaps. Of course, I did not buy enough while I was there but I have communicated with Jennifer by e-mail to purchase the rest of my goods. What a professional she is, very responsive and her communication with me has been excellent. You can't miss Jennifer's in the Arasta Bazaar, just look for the big Canadian flag hanging at the top of the window. You will never see linens as beautiful as these!!!
Good for: Beautiful Linens!
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Wish I had visited
garthdenton recommends this,
Small world.
Two months ago, I was in Istanbul and bought what I thought was a Turkish, hand-made towel from a place in the Grand Bazaar called Sharazadi. Quite sweet looking and felt very nice. The salesman said that it was hand-made and 100% Turkish cotton.
I took this towel home and couldn't figure out for the life of me why the towel wouldn't absorb. (Thank goodness I only bought 1 bath towel)
Several weeks later I had a textile friend of mine examine it and tell me that it had a good deal of acrylic inside and that it would probably never absorb and that it was definitely NOT a hand-made towel.
Very disappointed!!
So, now about Jennifer's Hamam. I never got to see this shop. I didn't know about during my visit and I sure wish I had. The way I discovered this shop was through another friend of mine that made a visit just last month and had researched about Turkish towels a little better than I did. My friend brought me back a hand towel and it's the most amazing thing I've ever used!!!
I also took this to my textile friend just for the fun of it. REAL MEAL DEAL!!!! No acrylic in this one and definitely a woven towel.
I've already written Jennifer's Hamam (jennifershamam@gmail.com) and have ordered a whole set of towels. The owner, a fellow Canuk as it turns out, was very prompt in helping me with my choice and as soon as everything was settled had them on their way. Currently, I'm tracking the shipping on line with DHL and expect to have them by Monday or Tuesday. Looking forward to it!!!Read more: http://www.igougo.com/review-r1380585-Wish_I_had_visited.html#ixzz163tkYLOk
Good for: towels
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