Thermal springs are very popular these days, and they are even prescribed by doctors. Each kaplıca (thermal spring) offers different cures for different ailments. Although springs are good for rheumatic diseases, some are remedies for eating disorders and psychological disorders.
Thermal waters have been used for their curative effects for thousands of years. Thermal spring remedies require one or two weeks for treatment. With the construction of accommodations and other facilities, modern thermal spring facilities are now tourist destinations in addition to centers for healing. Turkey is rich in curative waters; the four corners of our country abound in healing waters. Some are quite impressive, where people from all walks of life come enjoy themselves. Yet-undiscovered springs wait to be found. For those thinking of wellness in addition to a winter getaway, we’ll give a quick rundown of some of Turkey’s prominent thermal springs.
Capital of thermal springs in Ankara: Kızılcahamam
Kızılcahamam in Ankara is the first place that comes to mind when one speaks of thermal springs. It has many facilities. Asya Thermal Resort is at the top of the list of springs in Kızılcahamam. It is a main attraction for politicians and it also has great potential for regular visitors, which number around 200,000 per year. Asya Thermal Resort is where the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) held camping programs, and it is one of the leading destinations preferred by NGOs. It also houses the International Turkish Language Olympiads. Kızılcahamam boasts 450 family suites and hosts many international guests every year. Visitors from European and Middle Eastern countries are among those most interested in these facilities. The thermal springs of Kızılcahamam have proven effective for treating various diseases ranging from rheumatic diseases to cardiovascular diseases, from respiratory tract diseases to arthritis.
Rheumatic and joint diseases cured with Karahayıt waters in Denizli
The Karahayıt Springs are 26 kilometers from Denizli and five kilometers from Pamukkale, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While thermal waters in Pamukkale create white travertines, the waters at Karahayıt create reddish travertines due to the iron ions they contain.
Thermal waters are good for cardiovascular diseases, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, rheumatism, sciatica, skin and neurological diseases along with mange, pruritus and acne. Taking a bath widens veins and tones the heart by lowering blood pressure. Asthmatic patients can benefit as well; mud baths boost immunity.
İstanbul University Medical Faculty Professor Zeki Karagülle agrees that the thermal waters around Pamukkale, Akköy and Gölemezli are good for many diseases. Karagülle says: “Waters emerging in these areas are good for rheumatism and skin diseases when administered via bath, and when drunk they can help relieve the symptoms of stomach, as well as intestinal and gallbladder diseases. Thermal waters here are used to reinforce health and reduce stress.”
Denizli Touristic Hotels and Managers Association President Şeref Karakan says there are nine thermal springs certified by the Ministry of Health throughout the city, five of which are in Karahayıt. Stating that there are 7,000 beds in the area together with the thermal springs, Karakan says: “There are thermal springs and motels, many of which are very economical. Costs vary from TL 25 to TL 200.”
One can enjoy the healing thermal waters in Karahayıt and visit nearby Pamukkale and the Kaklık Cave, which is 45 kilometers from Pamukkale, regarded as Pamukkale’s under ground twin. Laodicea, one of the greatest cities of Anatolia, established in the 3rd century B.C., is another must-see in the region.
Transportation to Karahayıt is easy, especially by bus, because of the great interest in Pamukkale.
Treatment available at a spa and cave in Oylat, Bursa
Located in a valley next to Uludağ, Oylat Thermal Springs is one of the most popular thermal bath tourism centers in Turkey. In addition to its remedial effects and climotherapy, 665-meter-long Oylat Cave has healing effects, especially for asthmatic patients. The thermal water contains calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, iron, aluminum cations, sulfate, hydrocarbonate, metasilicate acids and free carbon dioxide.
Oylat Thermal Springs are recommended for rheumatic pains, arthritis, kidney disorders, skin diseases, gynecological diseases, poliomyelitis, neuralgias, neuritis, sciatica, neuralgia, mental fatigue and rheumatoid arthritis.
There are seven facilities around Oylat. Pensions are also available. Visitors can enjoy salmon and local foods in addition to the famous İnegölt meat ball in traditional restaurants. The area abounds in natural beauty; visitors can hike in forests and between waterfalls during their stay. Oylat Cave is also one of the leading destinations.
Oylat Inc. marketing and sales manager Rafet Yavuz says organic vegetables are offered in public markets everyday. Those coming from the direction of Ankara can get to the Oylat Thermal Springs by first turning left at the 90th kilometer of the Eskişehir-İnegöl Highway and then taking the Domaniç Tavşanlı road. After 17 kilometers, you will arrive at the springs. Those coming from the direction of İstanbul can get there by first taking the road to Bursa and then taking the road to İnegöl. Follow the road signs 8 more kilometers to Oylat. Those driving private vehicles from the direction of İstanbul to Oylat can get to Eskihisar through the Darıca-Bayramoğlu toll booth. After crossing to Topçular by ferry, head towards Yalova-Gemlik and turn in the direction of Ankara.
Afyonkarahisar Thermal Springs
Thermal springs in Afyonkarahisar provide service to domestic and foreign tourists with the capacity to host over 12,000 people. Thermal water in the city is preferred for treating rheumatism, joint disorder, poliomyelitis, cardiovascular and upper respiratory diseases, obesity, neuralgia, infertility, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, various nervous system and gynecological diseases, nephrolithiasis, psoriasis, kidney and urinary tract disorders, backache and arthralgia. The city also has five-star thermal spring physical therapy and rehabilitation centers.
Afyonkarahisar is Turkey’s thermal capital. Together with the Korel Thermal Resort, İkbal Thermal Resort, Oruçoğlu Thermal Resort, Anemon Thermal Resort,which is located in the center, Palas Thermal Resort in Gazlıgöl, Park Thermal Spring and the Safran Thermal Spring in Sandıklı province, there are seven five-star thermal resorts in total. In terms of the number of thermal resorts, Afyonkarahisar ranks in the top seven.
Thermal springs in the Gazlıgöl district, which is 25 kilometers away from the city center, have been a source of healing for years. The Ömer Thermal Resort, located on the Afyon-Kütahya highway 15 kilometers from the city center, is very easy to access. There are old Turkish baths (hamam), villas, as well as indoor pools and opportunities to go shopping. The water is 95°C and is among the starchy, geothermal fluid water groups. Lodging is available year-round.
Hüdai Thermal Springs, located in the southern part of the Sandıklı district, are famous for their mud baths. This thermal spring, run by the Sandıklı Municipality, is easily accessible. Balneotherapy, available at Hüdai Thermal Springs, has proven helpful for rheumatic diseases, sciatica, muscle pain and gynecological diseases. This thermal water is also thought to be effective for treating digestive disorders when drunk.
Clay that is available in this region is mixed with 68°C thermal water in pools and the ingredients are mixed together. The patient is then buried in the mud up to the waist. One mud bath per day has proven helpful in treating rheumatic diseases, broken bones, poliomyelitis and gynecological diseases.
Resource: Today’s Zaman