Gülşehir is a town located 20 kilometers away from Nevşehir, on the south bank of the Kızılırmak River, and was formerly known as Arapsun. Its ancient name was Zoropassos. The town’s development took place during the Ottoman Empire, particularly during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid I, thanks to the investments and fondness of his grand vizier, Karavezir Seyit Mehmet Paşa, who was originally from Gülşehir.
Prior to that, Gülşehir was a small village under the jurisdiction of Uçhisar. However, it became a district after Seyit Mehmet Paşa built several public works in the town, including six fountains, a mosque, a school, a madrasa, a library, an inn, and a bathhouse. The historic Karavezir Hamam, which was built by Seyit Mehmet Paşa in Gülşehir in 1778, is one of the Ottoman-era structures that still serves the town’s residents and visitors.
According to Yalçın Deveci, the current operator of the historic bathhouse, it was last restored 15 years ago. Initially, the bathhouse served the relatives of the grand vizier who came from outside the town. Later on, it was opened to the locals. The hamam has three sections: a changing room, a warm room, and a hot room. The entrance to the warm room is through a round-arched doorway from the changing room. From there, visitors proceed to the hot room, which is covered by a dome. The hot room has five taps, and its basins are made of marble.
Deveci emphasizes that the historic Karavezir Hamam is different from modern bathhouses. In contrast to the latter, which use natural gas or a heating system, historic hamams like this one rely entirely on fire for heating. Additionally, stone hamams like this one have positive effects on human health, and visiting them can help alleviate various illnesses. Bathing has a refreshing effect on the mind, which is particularly beneficial for people with sleep problems.
In summary, the Karavezir Hamam is a remarkable Ottoman-era structure that reflects the history and culture of Gülşehir. Visitors can experience the traditional Turkish bath culture and learn about the town’s past by visiting the bathhouse. The historic Karavezir Hamam is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Ottoman architecture and Turkish culture.
