Sultanhani Caravanserai

Situated on Konya – Aksaray highway, Sultanhani is the largest and best caravanserai of the Seljuks. lt was built by Alaattin Keykubat 1 in 1229. After a fire, it was restored and extended in 1278 by the governor Siracettin El Hasan during the reing of Giyasettin Keyhiisrev. After this extension it became the largest caravanserai of Turkey.

It consists of two sections: Open and covered ones. The open courtyard was used in summer and the covered one was used in winter. The caravanserai is entered from a magnificent portal (gate) in the east. Besides this beautifully ornamented portal, there is another simple one in order to enter the covered section of the caravanserai. The front wall in the east with marble portal and watch-towers on the corners is fifth meters wide and presents you a monument view. A small mosque built as kiosk masjid on four arches is in the middle of the open courtyard. According to the inscription on the portal the architect of the caravanserai is Muhammed Bin Havlan El Dimaskii. Around the open courtyard are rooms used by the caravansas, kitchen dining rooms, wc and bathrooms, living and sleeping rooms.

Source: Info Board