Travel Highlights - Sultanhanı Caravanserai

Sultanhanı Caravanserai

Concluding our Cappadocia itinerary, on the way to our next stop, Konya, we'll pass by one of the largest remaining caravanserais: the Sultanhanı Caravanserai. The Sultanhanı Caravanserai served as a rest stop along the ancient Silk Road. During the Middle Ages, caravans traveling between Europe and Asia would stop at the caravanserai for rest and supplies. Built in the 13th century by the then Sultan, this structure dates back to the Seljuk Ottoman Empire and is the largest ancient caravanserai in Turkey. Located in a small village between Konya and Cappadocia, Sultanhanı is a conservative village that maintains Turkish Muslim traditions. Visitors should be careful not to disturb the villagers.

Seljuk-style gate with ornate carvings of Islamic patterns

The spacious atrium faces a simple square mosque.

The west wall has small rooms such as offices and kitchens.

In the past, in addition to resting places, there were animal sheds and warehouses in the corner, and a restaurant and bathroom in the back... It had complete living functions.

The final area is the Inn, where caravans took shelter in the winter! The lighting in the lodgings illuminates the stone walls with remarkable clarity, creating an uncanny sense of spatial symmetry. The lighting gives the ancient architecture a somewhat ultra-modern feel. On the ancient Silk Road, caravanserais played a crucial role, providing supplies and protection for the caravans. Travelers would rest in these spaces, leaning against the walls or lying on the ground, replenishing their energy for the long journey.

There is a dome in the center of the room, and air circulates through the windows on all four sides of the dome.

For lunch, we ate at Sultan Cafe Restaurant, directly across from the post station. They have a unique pizza called pide. Pide is a long, three-foot-long pizza that can be shared by several people. It's also a specialty snack in Konya, where we were heading.

A lady there said the restaurant was owned by her family. She spoke English and was studying in San Francisco, California. We had a great conversation and hoped to visit her someday.

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