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Sultanhani Caravanseri
By
Susan Daly
The Sultanhani Caravanseri was built in 1229 by the Seljuk
Turks. After a fire, it was restored in 1278 and became
the largest Caravanseri in their empire. These forts were built as far apart as a camel could
walk in a day, about 20 kilometers.
Main gate entrance
There is only one entrance
with a huge and very heavy
wooden gate.
The mosque inside the
main courtyard
A sign shows worshipers which
way to face Mecca.
The Caravanseri were built to protect the very valuable trade along this end of the Silk Roads. They were free to all traders and provided a wide variety of services including veterinary care and
doctors. Each commander was responsible for any goods which
entered so that no trader feared being robbed while inside. These shelters
were spaced to be reachable in a days walk by a camel caravan.
Rooms for traders to sleep
in and eat. There was also a bath, doctor and a kitchen
area.
Main entrance to the animal
and cargo storage area.
Interior area for animals and
cargo.
Vaulting inside storage area.
A huge room to protect cargo and
your camels.
Main courtyard
A bath area
Central courtyard
This were built to protect the
revenue coming from all of the trading along
the Silk Roads.
Guards stayed on duty to protect the caravan goods.
Arabic calligraphy
Lovely stone work details
One side of the courtyard had
a covered walkway to
protect people from the heat
and the elements.
A stairway up so the mussein
can call to prayer from
the mosque in the center of
this courtyard.
Intricate stone details inside
From inside a room looking
out to the main courtyard.
Very narrow windows for
defense in the central storage
area.
Entering a fortress