The Seljuk Han of Anatolia
Covered Open Courtyard Plan Type (COC)
Hans with a
covered section and an open courtyard: the covered with courtyard plan (COC)
Hans of this type consist of two parts: an open courtyard and
a covered hall-like section behind it. This is the most frequent type and is
often referred to as the "Classical scheme" of Anatolian hans. The covered
section is referred to as a "hall", and in Turkish is known as the kişlik, or
"winter section".
This type is generally broken down into two subdivisions: 1) the hall and
courtyard of same width, generally with 3 aisles running perpendicular to the
back wall, and 2) The courtyard being wider than the covered section,
generally with a middle aisle and side aisles.
Although the two sections can be of equal width, usually the hall is narrower
than the courtyard. This covered section has a varying number of vaults,
laying parallel or perpendicular to the portal and the rear wall. The covered
section can contain a lantern dome in the center of the vaulting to admit
light. The courtyard is usually arcaded with a vaulting system supported by
piers, and can have one or two rows of cells. There can also be 1 to 4 iwans
in the courtyard. Lastly, the plan often comprises a small cubed
mosque ("kiosk mescit" in Turkish) in the center of the courtyard, raised up on 4
piers.
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