Bolu’s 100-year-old Orta Hamam keeps the tradition of tellak alive, with Dursun Arslan, a tellak who earns 50 thousand TL a month, working from the early hours of the morning until late at night. Despite his success, Arslan expresses concern about the future of his profession, as younger generations show little interest in becoming tellaks.
Arslan, who has been practicing this profession for over 20 years, learned it from his father and emphasizes the importance of preserving this ancestral craft. He opens the hamam at 6 am and works until 11 pm, encountering all kinds of customers throughout the day. Despite the challenges, Arslan finds satisfaction in his work, but worries about the lack of interest from the youth in continuing this tradition.
Reflecting on the difficulties of the profession, Arslan notes that the younger generation prefers to finish work by early evening, unlike the long hours required in the tellak profession. However, he hopes that young people will recognize the value of this traditional craft and carry it forward.
Arslan reveals that his monthly income can reach up to 50 thousand TL, with each session lasting around 15-20 minutes. The hamam’s services include kese and massage, with an entrance fee of 330 TL and a total of 500 TL for the full package. Working an average of 14-15 hours a day, Arslan earns between 800-1000 TL daily. He highlights the health benefits of hamam visits, such as opening pores, removing dead skin, and improving overall well-being.
In conclusion, Arslan encourages people to experience the benefits of the hamam, emphasizing its therapeutic effects on the body. Despite the challenges faced by the tellak profession, he remains dedicated to preserving this age-old tradition and hopes that future generations will appreciate its significance. The legacy of Orta Hamam continues to thrive, thanks to the unwavering commitment of tellaks like Dursun Arslan.
