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¿What is a Hammam?

In Morocco and in most Arab countries, it is a public bath for community use. Traditionally they have been used as hygiene spaces, in times when running water or hot water was not so common in homes. They have also had a religious use, as a way to perform ablutions or deep and purifying cleansing for prayer.

Furthermore, hammams in Morocco have traditionally been a source of pride and prestige for a city: their level was valued based on the grandeur and cleanliness of their bath(s).

Currently, its use is also related to aesthetics and bodily well-being, since it involves steam baths and water pools at different temperatures that achieve a relaxing effect on the people who undergo them. That is why this bathroom concept has become internationalized and today it can be found in the cities of many other countries, including non-Islamic ones.

History: Hammam in Morocco

The hammam is often known as a Turkish bath, but its origin does not exactly come from this country. You have to go back long before the appearance of Islam in the 7th century to find its direct precedent: we are talking about the Roman baths, which were in turn inspired by bathing enclosures from Ancient Greece. From Rome they spread through the main cities of the Empire and, in this way, they reached its eastern area, which after the fall of the Western Roman Empire was renamed the Byzantine Empire, with its capital in what is now Istanbul. This may explain why the term “Turkish bath” is used for these facilities.

What is certain is that the new Arab civilization knew the practice of public baths in the Byzantine Empire and assimilated them into their own daily life, making them very common also in later times, such as during the expansion of the Ottoman Empire.

It should be said that the Roman baths operated very similar to the current hammam, based on pools with water at different temperatures. In these cases, they did not have a religious function, but they did have a hygienic, social and aesthetic function.

Community hammam rules

Although Moroccans say that the basic rules for a hammam are not set in stone, many visitors are unsure of the proper etiquette. Here’s a guide on what to do and what to bring if you decide to visit a hammam in Tangier.

Every hammam has a changing room where you can store your clothes. However, it is advisable not to bring valuable items so you can enjoy the experience with peace of mind. Most people keep their underwear on, but some are less modest and opt to be fully nude. It’s best to ask the staff for guidance.

You should find out beforehand if you need to bring your own shampoo and exfoliating glove (kessa) for a complete bath. The same goes for towels and other toiletries, although they are usually available for a small fee. It is also a good idea to bring your own mat to sit on during the bath.

An important rule is to avoid putting your feet in or sitting on the water buckets. When you speak, you should do so in a very low voice. Most importantly, relaxing and enjoying this unique experience is a must.

A Guide to Enjoying a Hammam in Morocco

Visiting a hammam, or Arab bath, is one of the most authentic experiences you can have in Morocco. It is a place for socialization, purification, and relaxation that is an integral part of Moroccan life.

1. Public (Traditional) or Private (Tourist) Hammam?

This is the first decision you need to make. The experience varies considerably.

• Public Hammam (local):
  • Experience: Much more authentic and economical. This is the hammam that locals frequent in their daily lives. You will share the space with people from the neighborhood.
  • Price: Very cheap, generally between 10 and 20 dirhams (approximately €1-2) for entry.
  • What to expect: The facilities are basic, sometimes rudimentary. Don’t expect luxury. Gender separation is strict, with different hours for men and women or separate entrances. It is a total cultural immersion.
  • Staff: They may not speak English. Communication is based on gestures.
• Private or Tourist Hammam:
  • Experience: Geared towards tourists, with a spa-like approach. They offer more privacy and a more luxurious, relaxing atmosphere. They often include massages with argan oil and other treatments.
  • Price: Significantly more expensive, from 200 dirhams to over 1000 dirhams (€20-100 or more), depending on the package.
  • What to expect: Modern and well-maintained facilities. They will provide almost everything you need (towel, bathrobe, soap, etc.). They often allow couples to enter private rooms.
  • Staff: They speak several languages and will guide you through the entire process.

2. What to Bring to a Traditional Hammam

If you opt for the local experience, you’ll need to come prepared. It’s like going to a public swimming pool. You will need:

• Swimsuit or a spare pair of underwear: Most people keep their underwear or a swimsuit on. Full nudity is rare, especially among women. Bring a dry pair to change into afterward.
• Towel: Essential for drying off when you leave.
• Savon Beldi (Black soap): This is a dark paste made from olive oil and eucalyptus that softens the skin and prepares it for exfoliation. You can buy it in any souk.
• Kessa (Exfoliating glove): A coarse glove, indispensable for removing dead skin after applying the black soap.
• Shampoo and conditioner: To wash your hair at the end.
• Flip-flops (plastic sandals): The floor is permanently wet and can be slippery.
• A bucket and a small bowl (tasa): Although the hammam provides buckets, many locals bring their own. You use it to mix hot and cold water and pour it over yourself.
• A mat (optional): A small plastic mat to avoid sitting directly on the hot floor.
• Water: To stay hydrated.

At a tourist hammam, you usually only need to bring a spare pair of underwear. They will provide everything else.

3. The Hammam Ritual Step-by-Step

The process in a traditional hammam usually follows this order:

1. The Changing Room (Goulsa): Upon entering, you will pay the entrance fee and go to a common changing room where you will change and leave your belongings. Do not bring valuable items.
2. The Warm Room: This is the first room, where your body begins to acclimate to the heat and humidity. Here, you will fill your buckets with hot and cold water from the wall taps, finding the ideal temperature.
3. The Hot Room (Bait al-Sajun): This is the room with the most steam and the highest temperature. You will spend about 10-15 minutes here to open your pores and start sweating. This is the time to relax.
4. Soap and Exfoliation: Return to the warm room. Lather your entire body with the savon beldi and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, rinse off and begin the exfoliation ritual with the kessa glove. Scrub your entire body vigorously (or ask someone to help you with your back). You will be amazed at the amount of dead skin you remove.
5. The Final Wash: Once exfoliated and rinsed, wash your hair and body as you normally would with your shampoo and shower gel.
6. Relaxation: Once clean, go out to the changing room or a relaxation area. Take your time to let your body return to its normal temperature. This is a good time to drink water or a mint tea if it’s offered.

4. Etiquette and Useful Tips

• Modesty: Keep your underwear or swimsuit on, unless you see that full nudity is the norm in that specific hammam.
• Respect for space: Hammams can be crowded. Don’t splash others and be careful not to take up more space than necessary.
• Water usage: Water is a precious resource. Use only what you need and do not waste it. Never put your feet in or sit on the communal water buckets. Use your own bowl (tasa) to pour water over yourself.
• Social interaction: The hammam is a social place. Don’t be surprised if people chat. Speak in a low voice so as not to disturb those seeking silence. Local women often help each other exfoliate their backs; offering or accepting help is a gesture of camaraderie.
• Hiring a Tayab or Kessala: In public hammams, there are usually attendants (men for men, women for women) whom you can pay extra to soap you up, exfoliate you, and give you a basic massage. It’s an intense but highly recommended experience. Agree on the price beforehand.
• Hydration: Drink water before and after the session to replenish fluids lost through sweating.

Enjoying a hammam is about surrendering to a slower pace, a ritual that cleanses both body and mind. Whether in a modest neighborhood bath or a luxurious spa, it is a Moroccan experience not to be missed.