Kurşunlu Han, Ottoman caravanserai in Fatih district, Istanbul, Turkey
Kurşunlu Han is a historic trade building in the Fatih district with two levels of stone structures surrounding an open courtyard. Pointed arches connect the different sections, creating passages between merchant chambers and storage spaces.
The building was constructed during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century to house merchants traveling major trade routes. This period represented the peak of Ottoman commerce and made Istanbul a dominant hub for international trade networks.
Merchants from distant regions gathered in this building to conduct business and exchange news from their travels. These structures served as essential meeting points where different trading communities intersected and built relationships.
The building sits near the Grand Bazaar and is easy to reach on foot, with clear paths through the old town. Early morning visits offer quieter conditions for exploring the spaces at a comfortable pace.
Working stone fountains still stand in the courtyard, providing water that once served traveling merchants and their animals for centuries. These features reveal how daily life was managed within the building and what practical needs long-distance travelers required.
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