The Last Sultan Caravanserai of the Silk Road: Sarıhan in Avanos

Summary

• What is it? A Seljuk-period caravanserai built in 1249 by Sultan II. Izzetdin Keykavus [2]. Avanos Sarıhan exemplifies the sultan caravanserai plan schema [1].
• Where is it located? Situated on the Nevşehir-Kayseri route, approximately five kilometers east of Avanos district in Damsa Valley [2].
• Why is it significant? It represents the final phase of structures with intensive star motifs [2]. This caravanserai possesses a unique architectural character through its use of open brown, pink, and yellow cut stone [2].
• Architectural Typology: A composite-type caravanserai combining an open courtyard and enclosed winter section [2]. It includes a domed mosque, iwan opening into the courtyard, hamam, and fountain [2].

Historical Context and Construction Process

Avanos Sarıhan Caravanserai is one of the Seljuk-period structures along the Nevşehir-Kayseri route [2]. Located in Damsa Valley, approximately five kilometers east of Avanos district [2], it was constructed in 1249 by Sultan II. Izzetdin Keykavus [2].

During the Seljuk period, caravanserais were built along trade routes by sultans and state officials [1]. Avanos Sarıhan exemplifies the repetition of the sultan caravanserai plan schema [1]. While significant caravanserais were constructed in the second half of the 13th century, no sultan-built caravanserai exists [1]. The economic decline and disruption of order during Mongol rule led to a cessation of large-scale caravanserai construction in Anatolia [1].

The caravanserai was built on a 2000-square-meter site [2]. Covering an area of 2000 square meters, Sarıhan captivates observers with both its historical significance and architectural features [2].

Architectural Plan and Spatial Organization

Seljuk caravanserais were categorized into three types based on their typology: open courtyard (summer), enclosed winter section, and composite type combining both [2]. Sarıhan Caravanserai falls within the composite category [2]. Avanos Sarıhan is among the caravanserais that replicate the sultan caravanserai plan schema [1].

Courtyard Section and Spaces

• Entrance and Portal: Despite being a single-story structure, it features an imposing entrance portal [2]. This portal form is known as a taçkapı (portal) in Seljuk architecture [2].
• Fountain: A fountain is located immediately to the left of the entrance portal [2].
• Courtyard Layout: The courtyard’s center contains a water pool [2]. Five doors open into the courtyard, two of which are relatively simple; others are adorned with silhouettes and geometric motifs like the main portal [2].
• Enclosed Rooms: The enclosed rooms on the right side of the structure are covered by vaults, each featuring mazgal (window) openings facing outward [2].
• Room Distribution: Within the caravanserai, rooms for the host and his family, guest accommodations, and spaces for physicians and veterinarians are present [2].
• Iwan: An iwan opens into the courtyard immediately after the entrance [2]. This open-fronted, vaulted space, located directly opposite the main portal and formerly used as a winter section, now hosts meetings [2].

Elevated Kiosk Mosque (Köşk Mescit)

A domed elevated kiosk mosque is located within Sarıhan [2]:

• The kiosk mosque, situated above the portal and accessible via staircases adjacent to the main entrance, features muqarnas corbeling and vaulted arch supports [2].

Caravanserai Hamam

A hamam (bathhouse) is situated in the upper right corner of the courtyard [2]:

• This hamam chamber is the smallest among the enclosed rooms on the right side [2].

Enclosed Winter Section (Hall)

Avanos Sarıhan follows the classical caravanserai schema combining an open courtyard with an enclosed section [1], [2]:

• Enclosed Section Portal: The portal of the enclosed section exemplifies muqarnas corbeling [2].
• Naves and Roofing System: Most Seljuk caravanserais consist of an open courtyard with surrounding spaces and a covered hall facing the courtyard [1]. The hall was designated for travelers and their animals during harsh winter weather [1]. Aisles/naves (nef) separated by rows of massive stone piers (pâye) were covered with barrel vaults, often with a central raised lantern dome elevating the central nave [1].
• In such structures, the courtyard width exceeds that of the hall [1].

Stone Material and Ornamental Features

Tuff stones, commonly found in the Cappadocia region, are used as construction material [2]:

• Colored Cut Stones: This caravanserai possesses a unique architectural character through its use of open brown, pink, and yellow cut stones [2].
• Star Motifs: Sarıhan represents the final phase of structures with intensive star motifs [2].
• Geometric Motifs: Of the five courtyard doors, two are relatively simple; others are adorned with silhouettes and geometric motifs akin to the main portal, exhibiting artistic quality in their visual presentation [2].

Seljuk Caravanserai Organization and Waqf System

Seljuk caravanserais were waqf (endowment) institutions established to ensure both the safety of caravans and the needs of travelers [1]:

• Free Accommodation: In these waqf structures built by sultans and state officials, travelers were considered guests for three days without charge [1].
• Social Services: Besides accommodation and dining facilities, services such as hamam, mosque, free footwear for impoverished travelers, fodder for animals, veterinary care, and carriage repairs were provided [1]. Physicians and veterinarians in the caravanserai administered health services to travelers and pack animals [1], [2].
• Security and Administration: Seljuk caravanserais resembled fortresses with high walls reinforced by cut stone and supporting towers [1]. When necessary, these structures also served as military camps or shelters [1].

Restoration History and Current Status

Sarıhan Caravanserai was restored in 1991 and opened to tourism [2]:

• Restoration: After restoration in 1991, the caravanserai regained its former grandeur and was opened to tourism [2].
• Cultural Function: Today, used for conferences and meetings, the caravanserai hosts events and semazen (whirling dervish) performances for visitors [2].
• Visitor Experience: Restored while preserving its original form, the caravanserai offers visitors a pleasant tour experience with its cool interior during hot summer days [2].

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Sarıhan Caravanserai located?

It is situated on the Nevşehir-Kayseri route, approximately five kilometers east of Avanos district in Damsa Valley [2].

When and by whom was the caravanserai constructed?

Built in 1249 by Sultan II. Izzetdin Keykavus [2]. Avanos Sarıhan exemplifies the repetition of the sultan caravanserai plan schema [1].

What colored cut stones were used in the structure, and how is it known?

This caravanserai, using open brown, pink, and yellow cut stones, is known as Sarıhan (Saruhan) Caravanserai [2].

How is access to the pavilion mosque achieved?

The domed pavilion mosque is accessed via staircases adjacent to the main entrance portal [2].

What is the architectural plan type of the caravanserai?

It is a composite-type caravanserai combining an open courtyard and enclosed winter section [2]. The portal of the enclosed section features muqarnas corbeling [2].

How is the structure used today?

Restored in 1991, the caravanserai is now opened to tourism and hosts conferences and meetings [2].

References

• [1] Semavi Eyice, “Caravanserai - Seljuk Period of Anatolia,” TDV İslâm Ansiklopedisi, vol. 25, Ankara 2002, pp. 299–304, https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/kervansaray
• [2] Zehra Saltık, “Sarıhan (Saruhan) Caravanserai,” Online Türkiye Turizm Ansiklopedisi, 2020, https://turkiyeturizmansiklopedisi.com/sarihan-saruhan-kervansarayi