Inspection of Turkish Baths (Hamams) with Regard to Public Health

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the physical structure and state of hygiene of nine Turkish baths in three provinces, Isparta, Burdur and Afyon, located in the northwest Mediterranean region called the Lake District. The physical conditions of the hamam were assessed according to Article 23922 in Turkish Law which outlines the rules for setting up hamams. A new hygiene assessment form was prepared specifically for the hamams by the public health practitioners in our university department. All the hamams investigated had an appropriate physical structure, although no regular inspections were made. Most of them had been restored and re-structured because of earthquake damage and other reasons. Most of microbiological samples taken from the hamams produced Staphylococcusspp., E. coli and other enteric flora species. No yeast cells were isolated from these samples. No bacterial growth was observed on the water samples although the water sample taken from a swimming pool produced E. coli, enteric flora species and gram-positive micrococcus.