Situated on the Konya-Aksaray highway, Sultanhanı is the largest and best-preserved Seljuk caravanserai (an inn with a central courtyard for travellers in the desert regions of Asia or North Africa). It was built by Alaatin Keykubat I in 1229. After a fire, it was restored and extended in 1278 by the governor Siracettin El Hasan during the reign of Giyasettin Keyhüsrev. After this extension it became the largest caravanserai in Turkey. According to the inscription on the portal, the architect of the caravanserai is Muhammed Bin Havlan El Dimaski.
It consists of two sections, an open and an enclosed one. The large, central, open courtyard was used during the Summer months, while the enclosed one was used during the Winter. The caravanserai is entered from a magnificent portal facing East. Besides this grand portal which leads into the open courtyard, there si a more modest entry that leads into the covered section.
The 50 metre frontage of the edifice presents a magnificent view with its portal, the watch towers and imposing walls. A small mosque built as a kiosk mescit is in the middle of the courtyard. Around the courtyard are rooms used as kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms and dormitories, as well as utility spaces like bathrooms and WCs.
This post is part of Our World Tuesday meme.
The structure above the doorway is very intricately carved. The shapes of the passageways inside are the same as those we have seen around Antalya especially the passageways inside the open theaters.
ReplyDeleteTurkey has such wonderful architectural wonders. Hope to visit some day. very pleased to see these sights and read about them here.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your nice photos!
ReplyDeleteImpressive place!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful mosque, Turkey must be a lovely place to visit. I enjoyed your photos.
ReplyDeleteFrom afar the entrance almost appears to be damaged; then a close-up reveals the intricate detail and beauty.
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of a courtyard in the middle and the rooms surrounded by it -if I would have my dream house, that would be the design! The front door is a work of ingenuity.
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