The "kese" (keh-seh), that rough cloth mitt carried in the soap case, not only
scoured the dirt out of the pores, but served to deliver a bracing massage.
The soaping web, on the other hand, was specially woven out of hair or plant
fibers.
A small jewelry box is often included, and depending on the region will be of
silver, copper or wood, sometimes covered with wicker, felt, velvet or silver.
As she undresses in the hamam, the woman will remove her jewelry and
place it in this box.
There are three towels for drying, one to go around the hair like a turban,
one around the shoulders, and one around the waist.
The hamam carpet would be laid on the floor, then another cloth spread over
it. Indeed, the name of the latter, "yaygi", contains the Turkish root for
Quotspread". The woman would sit on the mat so formed to undress, and it
was here that the bundle itself would be placed. After each trip to the hamam
the spread would be washed and dried, then folded away in the bundle until
the next time.
An inner bundle cloth was made of cambric, which can be repeatedly washed.
The outer bundle on the other hand, heavily embroidered, might be velvet, woolen or silken weave. In any case, it is
always showy, suitable for the uses to which it is put on feast days and other special occasions.
The mirror was an indispensable item in the bundle, its frame and handle often of wood, but sometimes of silver or
brass.
There might be a bowl for henna, which the woman would fill on arriving at the hamam. Aside from the color it lends,
henna is considered to strengthen the hair. Henna is an old tradition for young girls before their marriage day; called as
Henna night.
A very small container, made of tinned copper, was used to mash up an eyebrow darkener known as "rastik", especially
popular with those of fair and auburn hair.
There is another box, this one for "surme", for the lids.
Attar of rose in a bottle, the bottle in turn kept in a wooden case, and inevitably found in the hamam bundle: No other
perfume was considered proper for the newly washed body.
