Baths of Lady Hürrem

Traditionally, every mosque had a hamam (bathhouse) included in or around its complex of buildings. Aya Sofya was no exception and this elegant symmetrical building, designed by Sinan between 1556 and 1557, was built just across the road from the great mosque by Süleyman in the name of his wife Hürrem Sultan, known to history as Roxelana. The hamam was one of 32 Sinan designed and is widely thought be his best. It operated until 1910 and until recently functioned as a carpet shop – no-one (including the local heritage authorities) seems to be sure what its future use is going to be after the current restoration is completed.