ancient wisdom
The History Behind Hamams and the Kese
The word Hamam—often known as the Azerbaijani Bath—has Arabic origins, meaning "to be warm" or "heated." Since ancient times, cultures across the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of Europe have developed their own versions of the hamam, creating spaces for cleansing, relaxation, and communal connection.
One of the essential tools of the hamam experience is the kese, a traditional exfoliating mitten. The word kese comes from the Azerbaijani language, which belongs to the Turkic language family. For centuries, the kese has been used in hamams to deeply cleanse and revitalize the skin. Its slightly coarse texture helps remove dead skin cells and impurities, leaving the skin smooth, soft, and refreshed.
The tradition of using the kese in hamams dates back to the time of the Ottoman Empire, where bathing rituals were not only about hygiene, but also about socializing, ritual purification, and healing. The kese was a key part of this process, especially in the skilled hands of tellaks (bath attendants), who performed vigorous exfoliating massages.
Kese mittens are typically handmade from natural materials, including viscose floss or pure mulberry silk. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and degrees of coarseness, depending on the skin type and desired intensity of exfoliation. The mittens are used with warm water and sometimes natural soap to scrub the body in a rhythmic, circular motion.
As the Ottoman Empire expanded, the tradition of the hamam and the kese spread across the Middle East and into parts of Europe. Today, the ritual continues in Azerbaijan, Turkey, and many countries throughout the region. Kese mittens have also gained popularity worldwide as a powerful natural exfoliating tool used both in professional spas and at home.
Temiz Kese
Temiz Kese products are crafted in Turkey by one of the most traditional and original manufacturers in the region. The fabric for our kese mittens is woven on heirloom looms, preserving the artisanal techniques passed down through generations. Each mitten reflects a deep cultural heritage and a commitment to quality, authenticity, and care for the skin.