Avanos Sarı Han

Avanos Sarı Han is a caravanserai built during the Anatolian Seljuk period. Located approximately 10 km from Nevşehir’s Avanos district, 6 km north of Ürgüp, within the Damsa Çayı Valley on the left bank of the Kızılırmak River, the structure is situated on a slope higher to the west than to the east. No trace of the historical caravan route remains to the present day.

Sarıhan (Anatolian Seljuk Architecture Inventory

Name and Origin

The structure is known as “Sarı Han” or “Avanos Han.” The name “Sarı Han” derives from the yellowish hue of the stones used in its construction. No written sources from the Seljuk period mention the name of this caravanserai, and it has attracted only limited interest from historians.

Dating and Inscriptions

Two inscriptions are present on the structure: one on the courtyard portal and the other on the crowning portal of the enclosed section (shelter). The authenticity of these inscriptions and their relationship to the building remain subjects of debate.

• The inscription on the enclosed section’s portal contains the phrase “El-şükrü lillah”, but no definitive date can be derived from this phrase.
• The inscription on the courtyard portal bears the name of Sultan II. Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev (1237–1246). However, it is difficult to accept this inscription as an original document belonging to the caravanserai.

Considering its architectural features and decorations, the structure is generally believed to have been constructed in the first half of the 13th century, most likely during the reign of II. Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev. Some researchers suggest that the original enclosed section may have been built during the time of I. Alaeddin Keykubad (around 1220), while the courtyard was added later during the reign of his son II. Gıyaseddin (in the 1240s).

Architectural Features

Architectural Layout

The caravanserai follows the typical Anatolian Seljuk plan, combining an open courtyard with enclosed spaces.

• Courtyard Section: The courtyard, entered through a portal facing east, has a rectangular plan. Double arcades line the southern facade, while vaulted spaces are arranged along the northern facade. One of these spaces was used as a bathhouse. A fountain eyvan is located to the south of the entrance. Stairs leading to the roof rise from the northeast corner of the courtyard, and an exit connects to the mosque above the entrance.

• Mosque: Located above the entrance eyvan, the mosque has a square plan and is covered by a star-shaped vault resting on muqarnas squinches. Its mihrab is decorated with geometric motifs. In this arrangement, Sarı Han resembles examples such as Zazadin Han and Altınapa Han.

• Enclosed Section (Shelter): The enclosed space, nearly square in plan, has five sides. A lantern dome with pendentives spans the center of the courtyard. People, animals, and goods were housed here. The stepped levels created by the sloping ground enhanced functionality.

Sarıhan Decoration Example (Anatolian Seljuk StructureInventory)

Decorations

Geometric ornamentation dominates the portals of the courtyard and shelter, as well as the mosque entrance and mihrab. Muqarnas arches, zigzag motifs, polygons, and star compositions define the decorative scheme. No floral or figurative motifs are present. The stonework shows parallels with structures such as Ağzıkarahan and Kayseri Sultan Hanı.

Dimensions

The caravanserai covers a total area of approximately 2000 square metres, of which 1120 square metres belong to the courtyard and 570 square metres to the enclosed section.

Use and Conservation

In 1940, during the construction of a bridge over the Kızılırmak River in Avanos, some of the caravanserai’s stones were removed. As a result, the building’s exterior walls were largely damaged. Restoration carried out by the General Directorate of Foundations between 1986 and 1991 restored the structure.

Today, Sarı Han is operated by a private enterprise under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism as a cultural centre, hosting exhibitions, conferences, and Mevlevi sema performances.