Taking the Waters: From Turkey to Taos
EKIN BALCIOĞLU IS MARRIED to Steve Winer, the owner of Big Horn Weed Co., and former contributor to Tempo’s High Times column. The couple met in San Francisco and together were early proponents of the area’s thriving “Bathhouse Culture,” based on the ancient Turkish Hamams.
Balcıoğlu is the co-founder and editor of the magazine, Haman, which covers the aforementioned culture. She is an accomplished visual artist, editor, and curator. Because New Mexico is home to a thriving culture of healing waters, we reached out to her to compare notes.
You are the co-founder and editorin-chief of Hamam: The Magazine of Letting Go, can you tell our readers a little about the magazine and the practice of “Hamam.”
Hamam: The Magazine of Letting Go began its journey in 2020 with the mission of inviting readers to have a good soak and let go. Each issue of our magazine is a carefully crafted exploration of the enchanting world of bathing, schvitzing, and cold plunging.
Hamam offers readers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of communal bathing.
From the soothing warmth of Turkish hammams to the invigorating cold plunges and saunas of Nordic spas, we celebrate the diverse traditions that have evolved around these timeless practices. Our pages are dedicated to unveiling the therapeutic and cultural significance of these rituals, showcasing how they provide not only physical cleansing but also a profound mental and emotional release.
Hamam invites you to join us in this transformative journey of selfdiscovery, relaxation, and the joy of letting go.
What prompted your decision to do a magazine?
My decision to create a magazine was motivated by a combination of my background working at a Russian Bathhouse in San Francisco called Archimedes Banya, my experiences at Russian and Turkish baths in NYC, and my discovery of WET Magazine by Leonard Koren.
Having grown up in Turkey, where hammam culture is deeply ingrained, my interest in communal bathing began to flourish when I moved to New York City. The city’s harsh winters led me to seek warmth and solace, and I found it in places like the Tenth Street Russian and Turkish baths. In these communal bathing spaces, I not only found physical comfort but also encountered a captivating array of people — writers, healers, orthodox rabbis, fellow artists — who became a meaningful part of my life.
In 2019 I moved to San Francisco and started going to Archimedes Banya where I trained as a platza master and learned the healing ways of the steam. My initial inspiration was to embark on a creative project akin to “Humans of New York,” focusing on the unique characters I encountered within the bathhouse community. However, the more I delved into this idea, the more it expanded. It was during this period that I discovered WET Magazine, a pioneering avant-garde publication founded by Leonard Koren in the late 70s.
The discovery of WET Magazine acted as a catalyst for me. It sparked the realization that a magazine could be the ideal platform to disseminate the art and culture of communal bathing. Most of these bathhouse experiences, including my beloved Archimedes Banya, enforced a strict no-electronics policy, creating an environment that encouraged deep reading and contemplation. This insight cemented my belief that a magazine could serve as a powerful conduit to introduce the world to the richness of communal bathing, while also shining a spotlight on the captivating subcultures thriving within these unique spaces.
Since your relocation to Taos, have you dipped your toes into the enchanting world of our mystical warm waters?
Since my move to Taos, I’ve had the pleasure of immersing myself in the enchanting world of warm waters. One of my favorite spots is Ojo Caliente Hot Springs and its legendary healing waters. It’s a true gem in Northern New Mexico, offering a haven for seekers like me who crave the rejuvenating experience of natural springs.
And it’s not just about warm waters; I also have a deep appreciation for the cold waters and the stunning hikes around the Rio Grande National Monument. The Wild Rivers section, especially north of Questa, is an incredible experience where you’ll encounter picturesque rapids and breathtaking river views. It’s a place where nature truly invites you to check in, tune out and unwind.
What do you envision as the direction for Hamam going forward?
In the near future, I have a vision (for Hamam) that extends beyond the pages of our magazine. I’m enthusiastic about curating immersive shows and experiences in various bathing spots around the world. These exhibitions will not only celebrate the art and culture of bathing but also provide an opportunity for people to engage with this rich tradition in diverse global settings.
Ultimately, I aspire to create a dynamic and interconnected global community that cherishes the transformative power of communal bathing, where art, culture, and the joy of letting go are celebrated in every corner of the world. This exciting direction is rooted in my belief in the universality of these experiences and the potential for them to inspire and unite people from all walks of life.
Anything else our readers should know about you?
I was born and raised in the picturesque city of Izmir, Turkey, where the rich cultural tapestry of my homeland has always been a part of my identity. Today, I call the enchanting landscapes of Taos, my home. It’s a place that resonates deeply with me and my family, including my 26-month-old daughter named Uma, which means “daughter of the mountains.”
In addition to my creative pursuits, I have a deep passion for holistic well-being. I find solace and balance through practices like Qi Gong and Tai Chi, which allow me to connect with my inner self and the energy of the world around me. I also love snowboarding, embracing the thrill of gliding down snow-covered slopes, which provides another dimension to my connection with nature.
It’s these varied dimensions of my life that I bring to my work at Hamam Magazine, celebrating the art and culture of bathing and well-being in all its forms.