Zazadin Inn (Caravanserai)

Zazadin Inn is located approximately 22–25 kilometers from the city center of Konya, near Tömek Village, about 5 kilometers off the Aksaray–Konya highway. It is considered the largest caravanserai of the Anatolian Seljuk State in Konya. The structure was built on a rectangular plan extending in an east-west direction.

Historical Background

Construction of Zazadin Han began in 1235 during the reign of Anatolian Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I and was completed in 1237 during the reign of his son, Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev II. The caravanserai was commissioned by the Seljuk vizier Sadettin Köpek. In the inscriptions, he is referred to as "Köpek bin Muhammed." He was also known as the Emir-i Şikar (Master of the Hunt), a miniaturist, and an architect, suggesting he may have been the building's designer. Originally named "Sadeddin Inn," the name gradually evolved among locals into "Zazadin Inn."

Architectural Features

Zazadin Inn follows the classic Seljuk caravanserai style, consisting of two main sections: a summer section (courtyard) and a winter section (covered/sheltered area). The open courtyard was used in warmer months, while the covered area served travelers during winter. The building measures 104 meters in length and 62 meters in width. The outer façade walls are supported by protruding prismatic masses composed of polygonal, square, and cylindrical buttresses and corner towers. Spolia (reused stones) from the Roman and Byzantine periods were incorporated into the wall facades, giving the structure a historical layering.

Portals and Decorative Elements

Zazadin Han features two distinct portals: one leading to the courtyard and the other to the covered section. The southern courtyard portal stands out with its alternating use of two-colored stones in a mixed masonry technique and its limited geometric ornamentation. It forms a rectangular prism and is topped by a mosque situated above it, which is surrounded by columns with rope motifs and covered by a star vault. A staircase in the northwest of the courtyard connects the mosque with the ground level.

The portal of the covered section opens into the courtyard and features a flat arch. The interior is covered with pointed barrel vaults, with the central area forming a higher and wider nave topped by a dome that transitions using squinches. During restoration, this dome was covered with an octagonal prismatic drum and an octagonal pyramidal cone made of transparent polycarbonate material.

Interior Layout

The courtyard of Zazadin Inn contains a total of 24 rooms, some open-fronted and others enclosed. In addition to these, the structure houses a mosque, a bath, storage rooms, warehouses, and stables. Along the south, east, and north edges of the courtyard are semi-open and closed spaces. Four rooms are located on the eastern edge, while the northern side contains two rows of vaulted galleries and several rooms. In some parts of the structure, both brick cross vaults and barrel vaults are used together.