Karatay han, Sivas-Malatya road, Anatolia, Turkey
Image details
Contributor:
B.O'Kane / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
D0T33PFile size:
63.3 MB (5.3 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
5759 x 3840 px | 48.8 x 32.5 cm | 19.2 x 12.8 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
29 July 2012Location:
Sivas-Malatya road, Anatolia, TurkeyMore information:
Perhaps the best preserved of all Cappadocian caravanserais is Karatay han built by Celaleddin (Jalal al-Din) Karatay on the old Kayseri-Malatya road, part of the main trade route into Syria. Construction commenced during the reign of Alaaddin Keykubat (Kayqubad) and was completed during of his son Giyaseddin Keyhusrev (Ghiyath al-Din Kaykhusraw) in 1240/1241. The endowment deed of Karatayhan tells us that it was built to serve both commercial and social functions. The ornately carved portal which dominates the south wall measures 46 by 80 metres, and projects both beyond and above the wall. The decoration includes floriate and figurative as well as geometric motives which distinguishes it from other caravanserais.