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Sultanhanı Caravanserai – A Majestic Legacy of Seljuk Architecture in Kayseri
Located 47 km east of Kayseri on the Kayseri–Sivas highway, the Sultanhanı Caravanserai stands as one of the most remarkable architectural heritages of the Seljuk era in Anatolia. Built between 1232 and 1236 during the reign of Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I, this caravanserai once served as a vital stop for traders and travelers on the Silk Road. Some sources also refer to it as “Tuzhisarı Sultan Han.”
What makes Sultanhanı unique among other Seljuk hans is the elevated mosque (köşk mescit) located right at the center of its courtyard — a distinctive architectural feature rarely seen in other caravanserais.
🏛️ Architectural Design and Features
The structure is oriented north–south and consists of two main sections:
🧱 Closed section: 32 × 45 meters – used during colder seasons🌤️ Open courtyard: 46 × 53 meters – for warmer months and livestockMonumental Entrance (Taçkapı)The caravanserai’s northern portal (taçkapı) has been extensively restored. Framed between two scalloped buttresses, the entrance is adorned with:
🌟 Geometric and floral patternsA border featuring interlocking meander motifsEight- and twelve-pointed star compositions carved into the stone
🕌 Köşk Mescit: A Mosque Above the Courtyard
At the heart of the courtyard stands a striking elevated square-plan mosque, supported by four arches: