Peshtemals also known as Turkish or Hammam towels are a very important tradition that has been carried through from the Ottoman era to the modern day.
The word peshtemal originates from the Persian language. The root of peshtemal is the combination of “Püşt and Mal”, meaning back towel. In English, German and also French it is written as peshtemal and pronounced the same.
A peshtemal is a woven cloth in a rectangular shape and it is amongst the most primitive of clothes. Ancient reliefs from Egyptian civilizations depict these cloths wrapped around the hips, it was the main item of clothing worn in those times. Similar styles of clothing can be found in other countries such as the kikoy (which means loin cloth in Swahili) from Kenya and the fouta from North Africa. Patterns and colours often refer to the region of the wearer. Its style diversified through the ages and the peshtemal now has many uses.
The pesthtemal is an essential item at the Turkish Baths. It is used because it is light, dries fast (within 5-10 minutes), absorbs water well and leaves no fluffy fibres anywhere! They are traditionally manufactured in the Denizli-Kızılcababölük-Buldan region of Turkey and usually hand knotted and woven on looms in different patterns by master craftsmen. Stripes, plains, rainbow colours..beautiful handmade fabrics in 100% organic cottons and linens.
Peshtemals are not just for use in bathrooms and Hammams they are also a fantastic beach accessory. Due to their quick drying nature and compact shape when rolled they can be used as a towel, sarong or beach blanket . Peshtamel fabrics are also used to make beach bags, bathrobes, cosmetic bags, hand towels, table cloths, bed spreads to name a few. The more they are washed the softer the fabric becomes.
With the help of our artisans in Denizli we have put together a fashionable collection of woven and hand knotted peshtemals that would suit the Maldives through to Bamburgh! We have also designed the perfect beach bag..light weight, useful pockets, excellent size, washable and rollable for easy packing. Our beach bag is your ideal travel companion at home or abroad. We also have a matching accessories bag to keep all your small items such as sunglasses and phones safe at the beach.
