Caravanserais

I have visited two Caravanserais here in Turkey; one where the Whirling Dervish performance was and another that we toured.  Ayşegül pointed out the different aspects to the design and explained how this was a resting spot for the caravans on the trade routes between Asia and Europe.  This was during the Seljuk Turkish rule period around the 1200’s.  Basically , they were a safe resting place for traders and their animals along the trade routes connecting Asia and Europe.  Here is a short summary from this web page:  http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/architecture/SeljukCaravanserais.html 

“The Seljuk Empire of Rum [pronounced room] spanned the ancient trade routes of Anatolia, the camel trails along which the riches of Persia and China had been carried to the markets of Europe, and vice-versa.  With trade came wealth, so the Seljuk sultans and the grandees of the empire worked to encourage, increase and protect commerce by road.  The great men and women of the empire endowed hans (inns), or kervansarays (“caravan palaces”) along the Silk Road and other major routes. These huge stone buildings were made to shelter the caravaneers, their camels, horses and donkeys, and their cargoes, to keep them safe from highwaymen and to provide needed travel services.”

Ayşegül’s explanations of the services they could get, i.e., food, baths, medical care, etc., and the ability to trade with others at these sites almost brought the place to life.  But this painting that is hanging in my hotel in Izmir, finished off the image!

When I look at this painting, it just makes the pictures of the empty one I visited come to life for me.  They are soo big, with a huge inner courtyard and then covered areas around the side and at the far end, used for different purposes.  Check out how huge the door is!

I can just see the travelers/traders in these arches: resting, eating and talking with the others.  Or, laying out some of their wares from far off places to trade with others from the opposite direction so they can begin their journey back with new goods.

Look at the intricate designs behind Ayşegül!