Taşhan, Ottoman commercial building in Ulus, Turkey
Taşhan is a rectangular stone building featuring traditional Ottoman architectural elements arranged around an inner courtyard. Shops and commercial stands occupy the ground level, while the structure maintains its original layout typical of 19th-century trading buildings.
The structure was constructed between 1895 and 1902 under Governor Abidin Pasha's direction, designed by İsmail Bey. It served as a hospital during the Turkish War of Independence before later transitioning into a hotel.
The building served as a vital marketplace and meeting point for the city's traders and residents. It reflects how commercial spaces evolved from traditional Ottoman designs to accommodate modern retail activities.
The building is centrally located in Ankara and easily accessible via the main roads through the Ulus district. Shops operate during daytime hours, and its central position makes it a natural reference point when exploring the neighborhood.
The building once housed Karpiç, a restaurant founded by Russian émigrés that operated until the 1930s as one of Ankara's early modern dining establishments. It marked a turning point in how the city's residents experienced new food culture and social dining practices.
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