Hammam

If the hammam were a Greek tragedy, and in some ways I think it is, this man's entry is the peripeteia, the moment of dramatic reversal that marks the beginning of catharsis. ❋ Unknown (2010)

The hammam was a public bath in the classic Ara - bian mode. ❋ Anthony, Piers (1980)

Afghan men and boys bathe in the hot room of what is known as a hammam on March 5 in Herat. ❋ Unknown (2010)

Either way, the hammam is a great way to wash away the sins of summer and go forth into the fall with a glowing aura. ❋ Amy Cortese (2010)

In between the shops may often be noticed small doorways, whose white plaster is decorated by some bright though crude design in many colours; this is the "hammam," or public bath, while the shop of the barber, chief gossip and story-teller of his quarter, is easily distinguished by the fine-meshed net hung across the entrance as a protection against flies, for flies abound in Cairo, which, however disagreeable they may be, is perhaps fortunate in a country where the laws of sanitation are so lightly regarded. ❋ R. Talbot Kelly (1897)

Small favas, which the Egyptians call ful hammam, or bath beans, are not only quicker to cook, they're easier to peel. ❋ Ellen Kanner (2011)

Typically a hammam experience takes about two hours or more. ❋ Doni Belau (2012)

Bursa's fabulous silk bazaar, huge mosque and kebab shop (home of the original kebab!) entertained us one afternoon, and we had an incredible experience in the hotel's luxurious hammam, where after we'd been soaked, scrubbed and massaged, the female assistant stayed in the steamy room and sang beautiful haunting melodies while we lay on the hot marble slab with our eyes closed. ❋ Gemma Bowes (2010)

BONUS Horse rides along local trails, camel jaunts through the fort, soaks in the outdoor pool or steams in the spa's hammam.jodhanaheritage. com; from $225 a night ❋ David Kaufman (2010)

Knight Frank With five ensuite bedrooms, a hammam and Jacuzzi, a private elevator, numerous balconies and terraces, and a Grand Piano as standard, the penthouse is made for a king. ❋ Unknown (2010)

I sat with soap in my eye for 35-minutes during my hammam instead of gently asking for some water. ❋ Farryn Weiner (2011)

Will you appreciate the sights of London, or Paris or Rome, or lazing in their pubs or cafes, any less knowing that you'll be returning to a piece of chocolate on your pillow, that your shampoo and conditioner come from Molton Brown, and that the hotel spa boasts both a sauna and a hammam? ❋ Ralph Gardner Jr. (2011)

There's a stocked wine cellar, a hammam, and a sauna. ❋ Forbes Life Staff (2010)

In the basement are an extensive Caudalie spa, private hammam, enormous gym, state-of-the-art Pilates studio, and wine cellar that seats 20 for dinner. ❋ Forbes Life Staff (2010)