Isa Bey Hamam, Ephesus

The İsa Bey Hamam, located just southwest of the İsa Bey Mosque in Selçuk, is a fascinating yet little-known historical structure that reflects the architectural and cultural traditions of 14th-century Anatolia. While it is uncertain whether the hamam was directly commissioned by the Aydinid ruler İsa Bey himself, an inscription found nearby-now housed in the Selçuk-Efes Museum-indicates that a figure named Hoca Ali oversaw its construction in late 1364, during İsa Bey's reign. Although the details surrounding Hoca Ali remain sparse, his gravestone, dated 1378, lies in the courtyard of the İsa Bey Mosque, suggesting his significance in the period.

Constructed with cut stone and brick, the hamam once featured ten domes, five of which still survive today, giving the structure a distinctive "beehive" appearance. Its interior layout follows the traditional progression of Turkish baths derived from Roman prototypes-moving from the changing room to the warm room, and finally to the hot room. The hot chamber, is especially notable for its central dome and cruciform arrangement, with four domed private chambers in each corner. Natural light filters through the now-empty glass openings in the domes, casting shifting patterns of shadow across the marble floors and stucco walls, some of which still show traces of decorative detail.

Archaeological evidence suggests that the bath was initially built for men, with a separate women’s section added later, complete with its own entrance. The remnants of surrounding chambers, thought to be shops, are consistent with some other Turkish bath complexes, although these additions do not appear to have had an organic link to the main building. There is also speculation that one of the northern extensions may have served as a felt-making workshop, which was a feature in some larger hamams of the time.

Today, the İsa Bey Hamam stands in partial ruin on 1055 Street, about 200 meters from both the İsa Bey Mosque and the solitary column of the Temple of Artemis. Though the site is fenced and lacks modern facilities, it remains open at all hours and can be freely explored. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy shoes due to uneven terrain, and bring water and a hat, as the area offers little shade.