Esma Sultan Hamamı, Eğirdir'de 1307-08'de Hamidoğulları Beyi Dündar Bey tarafından yaptırılan, 2014'te restore edilen ve hâlâ aktif olarak kullanılan 700 yıllık hamam yapısıdır.
Esma Sultan Bathhouse is mostly referred to by the name of its builder in historical sources: Dündar Bey Bathhouse. Dündar Bey, one of the founders of the Hamidogulları Principality, had it built in the Hijri year 707 (1307-08 AD). Among the locals, it is also known as Çarşı Hamamı (Bazaar Bathhouse) or Aşağı Hamam (Lower Bathhouse) depending on its neighborhood. Its inscription and endowment deed have not survived to the present day, but the construction record on the building confirms this date.
With the restoration that started in 2013 and was completed in 2014, it was repaired in accordance with its original form, and has been serving as an active bathhouse ever since. This means it is not a ruin converted into a museum, but still a place where people bathe. Its ownership belongs to Eğirdir Municipality. Services such as scrubbing (kese), foam massage, and sauna are offered; there is a system where Tuesdays and Wednesdays are reserved for women, and other days are open to men. Its 4.8 rating on Google indicates that it is still a preferred place among the local community.
The bathhouse is located in the historical center of Eğirdir; 70 meters from Dündarbey Madrasa and 320 meters from Eğirdir Castle. It is a stop that can be easily added to your itinerary while visiting the castle, lake, and bazaar.
Guide's Note
The Story of the Bathhouse
The structure was built by Dündar Bey, one of the founders of the Hamidogulları Principality, in the Hijri year 707 (1307-08 AD). Since its inscription and endowment deed are lost, information mostly comes from the records of researchers (Uzunçarşılı, Konyalı, Yiğitbaşı). No direct record with this name has been found in foundation archives, but a document from 1920 mentions that Hızır Bey had an endowed bathhouse in Eğirdir. This indicates that there is no complete clarity regarding the identity of the structure.
When to Visit
As the bathhouse is an indoor facility, it can be visited regardless of the season. Eğirdir is a district that can be visited all four seasons; the lakeside and bazaar are more lively in summer, while the warmth of the bathhouse gains a special appeal in winter. Remember that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are reserved for women, so plan accordingly.
How to Get There
There are regular minibus services from Isparta city center to Eğirdir, and the journey takes approximately 30 minutes. If you are going by your own car, finding parking in the district center is not difficult. The bathhouse is in Kubbeli Neighborhood, within the bazaar; 70 meters east of Dündarbey Madrasa and 320 meters from Eğirdir Castle. It can be visited on foot along with other stops in the city center.
Other Nearby Stops
Right next to the bathhouse are Dündarbey Madrasa, Merkez Ağa Mosque, and Hızır Bey Mosque, all within 100-150 meters. A short walk leads to Eğirdir Castle and the Sivri Tepe Walking Trail. These stops can easily be included in the same itinerary for a one-day Eğirdir trip.
How Much Time to Allocate
For those who only want to see the exterior and admire its architecture, 60 minutes is sufficient. If you plan to use the bathhouse services (scrub, foam, sauna), this time can extend to 1.5-2 hours. For those who want to explore Eğirdir as a whole, allocating half a day to a full day is reasonable.
Things to Consider
The bathhouse has specific days for women and men; Tuesdays and Wednesdays are reserved for women, and other days are open to men. It is advisable to call the establishment before going to inquire about operating hours and current prices, as official hour information is not clear in records.
For Photography
The domed exterior and stone masonry of the bathhouse are interesting for shots, especially from the facade facing Dündarbey Madrasa. Since it is actively used as a bathhouse inside, it is more appropriate to focus on the exterior architecture rather than taking photos in the hot sections.
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