Turkish toilets: origin and operation
At motorway service stations or while travelling , these toilets can be dreaded. You don't have a classic toilet bowl , but a simple "hole". While this can be fun for children, it is not the case for adults who would rather hold it in than use these facilities.
Turkish toilets are actually Belgian!
The first sanitary facilities are said to have appeared in the 12th century thanks to Bert Vandegeim, a Belgian . However, it took almost three centuries for the Turks to take hold of these innovations in order to modernize them. They then added a hole so that evacuation was much faster, installed a door to this device as well as a nail to hang up the trousers. Contrary to popular belief, the latter should not be kept.
- The story goes that Bert Bandegeim tied his trousers around his head so that he would not be disturbed while he was doing his little errand .
- As he looked like a Turk with this turban, he would have been compared to an Ottoman padishah .
This is how the Turkish toilet was born, but it was not the Turks who came up with the design. They only improved the device and it is the one we know today. The toilet is therefore composed of a hole for the evacuation of waste and two areas to position the feet .
How to use a Turkish toilet?
As soon as you enter this small room , you are immediately destabilized especially if it is the first time you have to use them. A platform with a hole is revealed in front of you and you must position your feet on the two generally non-slip areas.
- You have to take off your pants , your skirt or even your Bermuda shorts so that the garment does not drag on the ground.
- In fact, it is not very hygienic , so it is advisable to undress.
- While crouching, you have to “aim” at the hole while keeping your gaze facing the toilet door .
In some cases, Turkish toilets are equipped with a side bar , which helps you get up. There is also a wall-mounted flush to quickly evacuate excrement and urine.
Easy to maintain toilets
Since it is a platform at the same level as the ground, cleaning is much easier. Water consumption is also lower compared to a conventional toilet, but the water flow is sufficient to clean all the corners. These are also fewer since the bowl is absent.
While consumers are not necessarily ready to adopt Turkish toilets, they remain much more hygienic since the transmission of bacteria in public places is lower. You are not in contact with the toilet seat , which is a real advantage, especially during this health crisis linked to Covid-19.
If you decide to install a Turkish toilet, expect an investment of 200 euros and relatively significant work .
The Health Benefits of a Turkish Toilet
In addition to the practical and hygienic benefits, Turkish toilets also have health benefits .
Squatting , the natural position for defecation, is often considered healthier. This posture can help reduce constipation problems, a significant benefit in our modern society where digestive disorders are common.
Additionally, using these toilets encourages minimal physical activity , which can be beneficial for sedentary people.
The environmental and economic impact of squat toilets
Beyond the hygienic aspect and ease of maintenance, Turkish toilets have a positive impact on the environment .
Their simple design and lack of complex mechanisms make them more durable and less likely to require frequent repairs.
Additionally, as mentioned earlier, they use less water than traditional flush toilets, making them a more environmentally friendly and economical option in the long run (the same is true withJapanese toilets ).
This water saving is particularly relevant in regions of the world where water is a precious and limited resource.
By adopting squat toilets, communities can contribute to water conservation , a major issue in the fight against climate change and the preservation of natural resources.
In conclusion, although their appearance may seem rudimentary at first glance, Turkish toilets offer many advantages, ranging from personal hygiene to environmental impact. Their simple design, low water consumption and health benefits make them a valid option to consider, both in public spaces and for domestic installations.
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