A peştamal is a thin, very absorbent traditional Turkish towel with more than 600 years of history, linked closely with the traditions of early hammams.
Inspired by the Roman baths, the first Turkish hammams were built in the 14th century. More than hot steam rooms and bathing areas, they were also gathering points where one could meet and relax with family and friends, and even celebrate weddings and births. These hammams were secluded places for both physical and emotional cleansing.
In the 15th century, Anatolian craftsmen began to weave towels using the same technique they applied to carpet weaving. Using loops which allowed the towels to soak up water faster, the craftsmen created peştamal that were lightweight, absorbent and fast-drying; ideal for the humid hammams.
The colorful, soft towels have survived the centuries. Today, the tradition of peştamal meets contemporary design and modern perception. Beyond hammams, the range of eye-catching colors and patterns make them functional throughout everyday life and a perfect travel companion: as picnic blankets or tablecloths, a warm winter scarf, a sweat wickers at yoga class, a sleeping companion, or as towels for a long day at the seaside.
Once handwoven with cotton, peştamal can also be made from linen and bamboo. In addition to being eco-friendly and durable, bamboo peştamal defy uncomfortable static.
Along with the new materials, designs have also evolved from the original (and now chicly vintage) stripes and plaids. Reinterpreted peştamal exceed imagination: young, hip statements, contrasting colors, wild geometric patterns, or minimalist ones in pale, demure tones.
Today, many peştamal are made by creative artisans, using ancient traditions. Whether you enjoy traditional patterns or a energetic vibes, you can find one for any occasion.
Bodrum Havlu is a local Bodrum brand that cares about having unique pieces with stories in its collections. Besides the traditional peştamal, you can find many different luxurious towels in this shop. Torba Yalıkavak Yolu Üzeri; bodrumhavlu.com; T: (0252) 387 94 60
Lalay offers classy, traditional striped peştamal in many colors, hand-loomed from 100 percent Turkish cotton. Find high-quality peştamal of Lalay at ShoptheGuide.com
Peshmare is a young brand offering energetic and stylish handmade peştamal within its printed collection. It’s a must have if you’re looking for humor and a modern touch. Find the eye-catching Peshmare products at ShoptheGuide.com
Seacircle specializes in round peştamal handloomed from 100 percent Turkish cotton. With this reinterpreted round peştamal, they aim to create a unique and modern perception for Turkish Towels. seacircle.co; T: 0530 094 47 89
