Sivas Taşhan Çarşısı

Taşhan Çarşısı is located in the city center of Sivas, in the Mahkeme Çarşısı Dörtyol area. Sources indicate that the building was constructed in the second half of the 19th century. It is known that the han was commissioned by minority merchants active in the region and designed by a non-Muslim architect. It is believed that it may have been built on the foundations of an earlier han or another structure.

Sivas Taşhan Çarşısı (Sivas Municipality)

Architectural Features

The building is entirely constructed of cut stone and consists of two stories with a rectangular plan and a central open courtyard. There are three separate entrances on the east, south and north facades, each featuring round arches and iron gates.

Courtyard and Decorative Elements

The floor of the central courtyard is paved with block stones. At the center of the courtyard is an elliptical stone fountain. Water flows from the mouths of two double-headed lion figures positioned in opposite directions at the fountain’s center. This fountain is one of the building’s most notable decorative elements.

Arcades and Spatial Organization

On the south and north sides of the courtyard are arcades supported by six large single-piece cylindrical columns. These columns are connected by round arches. Behind the arcades, rooms and shops are arranged in sequence. The arcade ceilings are covered with barrel vaults. The upper-story rooms have rectangular windows with iron grilles. Access to the upper floor is provided by stone staircases located beside the entrances on the east and south facades.

Interior of Taşhan Çarşısı (Sivas Municipality)

Roof and Exterior Facade

The entire building is covered with a broken roof, clad with grooved clay tiles. Elliptical windows have been placed on the external triangular gables of the roof. Over time, various additions and modifications have been made to the building’s exterior facade. The roof was repaired in 2010.

Current Use

Today, Taşhan functions as a commercial center, with various cafeterias located on the ground and upper floors. Some shops on the ground floor have been fully enclosed with glass fronts, while the shops on the north side are designed to open both onto the courtyard and the street.

Taşhan Çarşısı – Cafeteria Section (Sivas Municipality)