Çukur Han, Historical caravanserai in Altındağ, Turkey
Çukur Han is a caravanserai in Ankara built with a rectangular courtyard enclosed by arcades on all sides. Stone foundations support the lower levels, while brick walls and wooden supports create the structure of the upper floors.
The building emerged during the height of caravanserai trade, serving as a key facility in Ankara's growth as a commercial center. It later became a military installation during the War of Independence and was subsequently converted into a prison.
The structure follows the traditional layout of a caravanserai, with a central courtyard where merchants stored goods and animals found shelter. This design served as a practical meeting point for traveling traders passing through the city.
The site sits near the main gate of Ankara Castle, making it easy to find if you are exploring that area. The building operates as a hotel after restoration, so you can stay there or simply visit to see the interior courtyard and architecture.
The building has a basement level on its western side that takes advantage of the sloping ground to add functional space. This clever design choice allowed builders to gain more storage and work areas without expanding the footprint of the structure.
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