Seljuks Inherit to Anatolia; Caravanserais

Abstract

The history of Anatolia intertwined and layered manner is composed of many historical mosaic of culture. In this chronology, we see the Anatolian Seljuk State in the administration of the era when Turkish identity was set up in Asia Minor. This state has become an important force especially in the 11th and 13th centuries, even if it is not absolute in commercial, military and economic. At that time, the continuity of the state union was due to the intense trade and lack of scarcity in the country. The Seljuks were aware of this. With the expansion of Anatolian Seljuk State borders, which gives importance to the trade, new road networks have been formed and the existing ones have been strengthened. Old Anatolian cities such as Konya, Kayseri, Sivas and Erzurum have become important trade centers. It is necessary to ensure the safety of the roads and caravans in all of this commercial activity in the country. Caravanserais and khans were constructed on the roads to meet the needs of the caravans in order to stay and to continue their way. These buildings, which have an enclosed architecture with thick masonry walls, look like a castle and have become a power show. Anatolian Selcuklu period caravanserais show different features than the previous accommodation structures. In this study, the change of the commercial activities and accommodation during the history and the spatial organization, plan typologies and functions of the Anatolian Seljuk Caravanserai constructions are discussed.