STORY: Turkish bath tradition remains alive in Ankara
SHOOTING TIME: Aug. 17, 2024
DATELINE: Aug. 18, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:40
LOCATION: Ankara
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the historic Karacabey Hammam located in the old city of Ankara, Türkiye
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): ONER AYDIN, Owner of the Karacabey hammam
3. various of the historic Karacabey Hammam located in the old city of Ankara, Türkiye
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): ONER AYDIN, Owner of the Karacabey hammam
5. various of the historic Karacabey Hammam located in the old city of Ankara, Türkiye
6. SOUNDBITE 3 (Turkish): ERDAL TURKKAN, Frequent visitor of Karacabey hammam

STORYLINE:

In the Old City of Turkish capital Ankara, a hammam, or Turkish bath, offers a glimpse into history within its Ottoman setting.
   
Oner Aydin, the owner of the Karacabey hammam, said it is the oldest and largest hammam in Ankara, providing an authentic Turkish bath experience for centuries.
   
SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): ONER AYDIN, Owner of the Karacabey hammam
"The construction of this historic bath started in 1427 and was achieved in 1440. It has been in service since this time. It is the oldest and biggest hammam in Ankara."
   
Hammams have waned in popularity over time. Despite the growth of spa and wellness culture, many Turkish cities still maintain hammams, which was introduced by the Ottomans.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): ONER AYDIN, Owner of the Karacabey hammam
"Hammams are crucial for health because the steam opens pores, the scrub rejuvenates the body, and the environment allows the body to breathe."
   
Turkish baths have traditionally served as communal spaces for socializing, relaxing, and rejuvenating both physically and mentally.

Erdal Turkkan, a frequent visitor, believes that the experience of a home shower is quite different from visiting a hammam, and people are returning to this tradition to escape the stress and grind of modern life.
   
SOUNDBITE 3 (Turkish): ERDAL TURKKAN, Frequent visitor of Karacabey hammam
"I come here three times a week. Hammam means cleanliness. This is something engraved in our culture. Hammam for me signifies rejuvenation and peace."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Ankara.
(XHTV)