Historical Caravanserais and Architectural Gems
Exploring Seljuk and Ottoman Heritage
THE ALAY HAN
Located 34 kilometers from Aksaray, the Alay Han is a 13th-century Seljuk caravanserai covering an area of around two thousand square meters. Currently a tourist attraction, plans include restoring and transforming the Alay Han into a daily facility as part of a larger project.
THE CARAVANSERAI OF SILAHTAR MUSTAFAPAŞA
Situated in the Battalgazi district, 8 kilometers from Malatya, the Caravanserai of Silahtar Mustafapaşa is a 17th-century Ottoman architectural masterpiece spanning approximately 4 thousand square meters. Partially restored and visited by tourists, future plans involve converting it into an accommodation facility suitable for daily use.
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Ottoman Times in Marmaris
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Do you agree that savoring a cup of Turkish coffee on a sofa is incomparable to Nescafe? Can the confined space of a
Historic Caravanserais
Preserving the Past for Modern Use
Exploring Seljuk Era Architectural Marvels
THE SULTAN HANI (THE SULTAN’S INN) – Caravanserai of Alaeddin
Situated in Sultan Han town, 40 km from Aksaray, the Sultan Hani is a splendid Seljuk era caravanserai dating back to the 13th century. Covering a base area of 5 thousand square meters, this well-preserved structure is currently a tourist attraction. Plans are underway to restore and repurpose it as an accommodation facility Read More about Exploring Turkish Traditions and Delights in Marmaris
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THE SARAPSA HA AN (THE SARAPSA INN)
Found on the Antalya-Alanya highway, 12 km from Alanya, the Sarapsa Han is a 13th-century Seljuk architectural gem spanning approximately six hundred square meters. Currently serving as a discotheque, the han is set to undergo renovations and transformation into a restaurant.
THE AKHAN<
Squares and Domes
Now, step outside and ascend from the street you came from. Be mindful that the streets you traversed were a crucial center of Istanbul life thousands of years ago as well. The Byzantine palaces and residences of high-ranking palace officials have always existed in this area, where wealth from around the world congregated. Ascend with the Marmara Sea behind you. Take a moment to breathe near Arasta, at the base of the Byzantine Palace walls. Enter, either for shopping or to enjoy coffee or tea. If it’s summer, refresh yourself with cold drinks.
Afterward, exit and stroll towards Sultanahmet Square. Let yourself be captivated by the splendor of the square where imperial ceremonies were once held. Try to envision the ceremonies in the Byzantine era when Emperor Justinianus rarely appeared in the square, which was once the Hippodrome. Picture Suleiman the Magnificent observing the parade organized in the area known as At Meydani (The Horse Square) during the Ottoman era
Elgihan
Hotels, in the modern sense, began to be constructed in the mid-19th century. With the frequent calls of passenger ships in Istanbul and the establishment of the Sirkeci Train Station, the number of travelers between Istanbul and Europe increased. Many hotels, such as Hotel de Pera, Hotel de France, London Hotel, and Pera Palace, were opened during this period.
Starting from the mid-15th century, although in small numbers, European travelers visiting Istanbul were accommodated in churches, monasteries, and imarethanes (charitable institutions) of large mosques after their journeys lasting months, as there were no accommodation centers in the modern sense. Considering that transportation was only provided overland by horses, we can deduce that the number of those coming to Istanbul from foreign countries was limited.
Atik Ali Pasa Caravansary
In the 16th century, diplomatic relations between the Ottoman Empire and European countries developed, leading to freque
The Caravansary with Three Doors
According to information provided by travelers and ambassadors, Elgihan’s architectural structure, with a courtyard in the middle, is square.
The well located in the middle of the courtyard served as a water source for humans, animals, and the caravansary. The courtyard featured three entrance doors for wagons. The ceilings of the rooms were domed and covered with lead for waterproofing. Although the rooms were not very comfortable, Elgihan also had ten shops located on the street at the caravansary’s entrance. These shops had windows opening to the outside and to the courtyard with a porch.
“Kiyamet-i Surra”
Representatives staying in Istanbul sometimes for months and sometimes for years used this caravansary to meet the Sultan. The lead covering the domes of the caravansary, with a significant place in Istanbul’s cultural history Elgihan, melted due to a fire at Qemberlita§ in 1587, but the caravansary s
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