This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
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Kızlarağası Hanı is located within the Kemeraltı Bazaar, in the Konak district of İzmir, in an area known as Halim Ağa Çarşısı. Today, the han, situated between 871. Street and 902 and 906. Streets, is one of the rare surviving Ottoman-era commercial structures in İzmir. The building’s main facade opens onto the former Keresteciler Sokağı. Originally constructed near the shoreline, the han now lies approximately 200 metres inland due to the gradual silting up of the sea over time.
Kızlarağası Hanı (Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye)
Kızlarağası Hanı was commissioned by Kızlarağası Hacı Beşir Ağa, who served as Darüssaâde Ağası during the reigns of Sultan Ahmed III and Sultan Mahmud I in the Ottoman Empire. According to the foundation inscription, construction began in 1744 and was completed in 1745. Although a fountain within the han bears the date 1675, it is believed that this fountain was relocated from another existing fountain in the area prior to the han’s construction.
The han follows the common Ottoman han architectural plan type, featuring a covered bazaar and a central courtyard. Built on an area of 4,000 m², the structure has a nearly square rectangular layout. At its center lies a courtyard measuring approximately 600 m². The two-storey building consists of rooms opening onto galleries on the upper floor, while the ground floor comprises shops, corridors and bedestens.
The architectural uniqueness of the building is highlighted by the five-column, six-arched arcade facing the courtyard on the upper floor and the projecting cumbalı şahnişinleri on the facade. The column capitals are adorned with triangular-baklava motifs.
The ground floor of Kızlarağası Hanı consists of three bedestens: the Bakır Bedesteni and Çuha Bedesteni to the north, and the Cevahir Bedesteni to the south, along with a corridor to the east. The corridors connect to streets via entrances on the eastern and western sides, while internal passageways provide access to the courtyard.
Bakır Bedesteni was constructed in 1746 during the restoration of the han’s main facade. Initially occupied by copperworkers, it later became a center for the trade of luxury goods such as Iranian silk.
Çuha Bedesteni was originally used by carpet makers and acquired its name after the arrival of çuhacı craftsmen.
Cevahir Bedesteni is located on the southern side of the han.
Saçmahane are additional units situated to the east of the han, opening onto Çankırılı Sokağı. They were added to the complex in 1745.
The upper floor contains 73 rooms, which served as accommodation for caravan owners and travelers engaged in trade. The ground floor was used for unloading goods, commercial activities and storage. The rooms feature fireplaces, niches, basements and wooden flooring.
Since its construction, the han has suffered damage from various natural disasters. In 1745, a landslide caused collapses on the facade, which were subsequently repaired. In 1778, it sustained significant damage during a major earthquake and underwent substantial restoration in 1779. Over time, the structure endured further earthquakes and fires, each followed by restoration efforts in different periods.
Between 1988 and 1993, the han underwent a comprehensive restoration, and in 1993 it was reopened to the public as a tourist bazaar. All chimneys were reconstructed based on original examples to match their historical design.
In the 18th century, due to its proximity to İzmir’s harbor entrance, the han functioned as a major commercial center. Goods arriving by caravan were unloaded, sold or stored here. Shops and storage areas occupied the ground floor, while the upper floor provided lodging. Like other Ottoman hans, its gates were closed in the evening. The han maintained its commercial vitality until the late 19th century, after which it gradually lost its significance.
Today, Kızlarağası Hanı serves as a tourist and cultural bazaar. It houses shops selling handicrafts, carpets and kilims, silver jewelry, leather goods, traditional Turkish coffee establishments and souvenir stores. The courtyard has been arranged as a tea garden for visitors to relax.
Kızlarağası Hanı (İzmir Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism)
Construction Date and Founder
Architectural Features
Bedestens and Corridors
Floor Plan and Room Arrangement
Damage and Restorations
Purpose and Function
Current Status