The ‘looping’ technique in towel weaving was invented by Ottoman weavers in the 17th century—a breakthrough that set Turkish towels apart for their luxury and durability. These exceptional towels lasted decades longer than flat-woven alternatives, earning Türkiye a global reputation for crafting the finest towels in the world.Unlike today’s mass-produced towels, which tend to wear out in just a few years, the original thick-looped Turkish towels—woven on old-style shuttled looms—became treasured household items, passed down through generations like a family heirloom… or that one spoon everyone fights over.
With industrialization, machines began imitating the look of these iconic towels, but not their structure. Today, Jennifer’s Hamam is the only company still weaving them on traditional shuttled looms—preserving a craft on the brink of extinction. Using only the highest quality threads and time-honoured techniques, our towels are unmatched in strength, absorbency, and longevity—truly the best in the universe.
Curious about the traditional weaving process? See how these towels come to life from warp to weave.
"We had previously visited Jennifer’s Hamam in Istanbul in 2015 and brought home some lovely towels. They’ve held up fantastically, still looking and feeling great after years of use."
Trip Advisor
"In 2015 we visited Jennifer's Hamam and since then have been delighted with our towels & bathrobe. Now in 2023 we decided to purchase again, but online from USA, and the process was as good as being in Istanbul. We worked via email and video call with Greg who enthusiastically displayed a variety of selections for us to choose. New towels to match our new home! Thanks JH & Team. Pleased to support JH's mission and you'll never find better, softer towels."
Google Reviews
In the 17th century, Ottoman weavers in Bursa revolutionized personal linens by inventing a new weaving technique that created loops on the surface of the fabric. This structure, known as havlu—from hav (loop) and -lu (with)—transformed the traditional flat pestamel into a plush, absorbent towel and set a new standard for comfort and luxury.
A remarkable testament to this tradition is a 115-year-old towel, handwoven on a shuttled loom by the great-grandmother of a Central Anatolian family. Despite more than a century of use—including two decades of wiping down tables at her granddaughter’s restaurant, plus countless bleach washes—it remains completely intact. The cotton may have hardened, but the towel’s strength endures, showcasing the unparalleled durability of traditional Turkish weaving.
At Jennifer’s Hamam, we are dedicated to preserving this heritage. Every thick-looped towel we produce continues the legacy of quality, resilience, and craftsmanship that defined the original havlu.
Curious to see it in person? The 115-year-old towel is in our showroom—and we’d love to share the story behind it with you.
Jennifer's Hamam
125 Arasta Bazaar
&
Ogul Sok. NO: 20
Jennifer's Collection
135 Arasta Bazaar
Sultanahmet, Fatih, Istanbul
Türkiye
January - February
8:30am - 8:00pm
Istanbul time
March-December
8:30am - 10:00pm
Istanbul time
