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Tag: beauty rituals in Turkey

My final Turkey post! Ephesus and skincare…..

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So I visited the southern Turkish city of Ephesus, which is well known for its connection to Biblical antiquity.  It is believed that this is the location of the final dwelling for Mary, Mother of Jesus.  Ephesus was also an important Greek and Roman city as well as it has major importance in early Christianity.  This is a haven for some amazing history and artifacts!

So while touring the ruins on a day that can only be described as Hades hot, we took refuge under one of the few fig trees.

Fig tree at Ephesus

The tour guide mentioned that the leaves of the fig tree have been used for its healing properties.  Of course this peaked my interest!

Fig leaf sap and fruit have been used for centuries for their moisturizing, healing and calming  properties.  More recently, it has been valued for its antioxidant qualities.

Fig leaf sap

Me, investigating!

Have you tried any products made with fig extracts? Do you have any favourites?

Related posts:  My visit to an authentic hammam!

Pictures of Turkey

What is a peshtamal?

My Byzantine/Turkish inspired LOTD!

My beauty experience at an authentic Turkish Hamami – Çemberlitaş Hamami

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So my visit to Istanbul would not be complete without a visit to a Turkish bath and after a day of sightseeing and shopping, 3 friends and I decided to visit the historical Çemberlitaş Hamami which is located just off of Divan Yolu (Divanyolu) Caddesi in Old Historic Istanbul.  It is nestled right in the middle of some the most historical sites in Istanbul.  The Vezirhan Monument (build by Constantinople I) is right across the street and the tombs of Sultan Mahmut II and Ali Baba are right nearby.

So the entrance is kinda non descript, look out for the steady treaffic going in and out.  By the way, this is a unisex bath, but I think that there are separate areas for men and women.  Once inside, we were presented with a list of services and I got the traditional style bath, which cost 69TL (Turkish Lira) (about US$35).  The traditional style bath consists of steam and a bubble bath.  So we paid and received our keys for the lockers and our peştamals.  What’s a peştamal? It’s a traditional cotton Turkish towel!  There is no pressure to go completely naked, you could wear a bathing suit during your service, or just panties or nothing at all.  Your choice!

We were led into the sıcaklık, which is the large main bathing area.  What a beautiful place! High vaulted ceilings made of what looks like terracotta with venting holes arranged in a pattern.

Image courtesy of Cemberlitas Hamami

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