Sultanhanı Caravanserai

Sultanhanı Caravanserai is the largest and one of the finest preserved Seljuk caravanserais in Türkiye. Built in 1229 during the reign of Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I and later restored in 1278, it served as a major stop for merchants traveling along the historic Silk Road between Konya and Persia. Key Info Location: Sultanhanı, Aksaray Duration: 30–60 minutes Entrance: Paid Best Time: Daytime Experience Passing through the monumental marble entrance, visitors enter a vast courtyard surrounded by rooms that once accommodated merchants, travelers, animals, and valuable goods. The caravanserai also features a beautifully elevated mosque in the center of the courtyard and an impressive covered winter hall, showcasing the remarkable engineering and craftsmanship of the Seljuk period. Highlights Largest Seljuk caravanserai in Türkiye Magnificent marble entrance portal Historic Silk Road trading post Central courtyard mosque (Köşk Mosque) Impressive covered winter hall Outstanding example of Seljuk architecture How to Visit Sultanhanı Caravanserai is located about 40 km west of Aksaray on the historic Silk Road. It is commonly combined with Aksaray city, Ihlara Valley, Selime Cathedral, Monastery Valley, and other attractions in southern Cappadocia, making it an essential stop for visitors interested in medieval Anatolian history.