Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Caravanserai, Ottoman caravanserai in Payas, Turkey.
The Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Caravanserai is a fortified complex enclosed by high stone walls, containing spaces for different functions throughout the structure. Inside are a prayer hall, bathhouse, school, and areas for merchants and guests to rest and conduct business.
The structure was built between 1571 and 1574 on orders from a high-ranking official after the Ottomans conquered an important island territory. Its construction was part of a broader effort to improve roads and infrastructure across newly acquired regions.
This building served as a crucial stopping point for traders and pilgrims journeying to distant markets and sacred destinations. The space reflects Ottoman hospitality culture, where travelers found shelter and provisions during their journeys.
The building sits near a major highway and is easily recognizable from outside. Visitors can view the outer facade and explore the structure with its high walls, though some sections now serve administrative purposes.
The building was designed by one of the most renowned architects of his era, who also created major mosques and palaces throughout the empire. The design is so thoughtful that it even incorporated military defensive principles into the civilian structure.
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