Sultan Han

Sultan Han is a fortified stone structure featuring a monumental entrance portal and a large interior courtyard with surrounding arcades. At its center stands a domed winter hall that provided shelter for travelers during cold seasons.

Sultan Ala ad-Din Kayqubad I commissioned its construction between 1232 and 1237 as part of a network of trading posts across Anatolia. It served as a crucial stop along the major trade routes of that era.

Stone carvings feature lion head drain spouts and serpentine dragon motifs that reflect Seljuk artistic style. These decorations were a familiar sight for travelers and showed the skilled craftsmanship and cultural values of the region.

The structure sits roughly 47 kilometers northeast of Kayseri on the main road toward Sivas, making it straightforward to reach by car. It has undergone multiple restoration efforts since 1951 while keeping its original layout and design intact.

An elevated mosque chamber supported by four pillars stands in the central courtyard, creating a distinctive interior landmark. This design reveals how traders mixed religious and commercial activities within the same open space.

Location: Kayseri

Part of: Seljuk Caravanserais on the route from Denizli to Doğubayazıt

GPS coordinates: 38.97292,35.89528

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:00