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