About
Ruzbe Han – Konya
📍 Location: Konya – Ankara Highway, Selçuklu District
🏛 Year of Construction: 1246-1249
🔹 Architectural Style: Anatolian Seljuk Caravanserai Architecture
History and Architectural Structure
Ruzbe Han is one of the most significant trade and caravanserai structures of the Anatolian Seljuk Empire. It was built between 1246 and 1249 by Esedüddin Ruzbe, the chamberlain of Seljuk Sultan Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev II and the atabeg of İzzeddin Keykâvus II. Today, it serves as a tourist facility.
The han has a rectangular plan extending in the northwest-southeast direction. Precisely cut stone was used in its construction, and the stone craftsmanship is remarkably fine.
🕌 Key Architectural Features of Ruzbe Han:
✔ Main Entrance and Monumental Gate:
▫ The monumental entrance (taç kapı) is located on the southeastern façade and boasts a grand design.
▫ It projects outward in a rectangular prismatic shape.
▫ The inscription area above the entrance was left blank.
✔ Enclosed Shelter Section:
▫ The interior is divided into five naves.
▫ Square pillars connected by pointed arches were used in its structure.
▫ The central nave is taller and covered with a brick dome.
✔ Defensive and Supporting Structures:
▫ Four symmetrical buttresses are placed on the side walls.
▫ Two square-shaped buttresses are located at the rear.
▫ Polygonal prism-shaped towers reinforce the corners.