The Seljuk Han of Anatolia

KADIN HAN 

Main entry portal

Inscription plaque (kitabesi) over main portal

Central aisle of covered section

Byzantine reuse stones on side wall, one ironically showing figures of 2 women

DISTRICT (IL)
42 KONYA

LOCATION
This han is located on the Akşehir-Konya Road; in the town of Kadinhan.

[map]

DATE
1223 (dated by inscription)

REIGN OF

Probably Alaeddin Keykubad I

PATRON
A woman by the name of Ruqiya (or Radija) bit Mamud.  She is apparently to be identified with Devlet Hatun, presumably a wife of Kaykhusraw I, and who was the epigraphically attested founder of the Hatuniye Mosque in Konya.

The inscription plaque states that the han is a gift to God from this woman, and implores Him to have pity on her.  It could thus perhaps be a funerary text.

BUILDING TYPE

Covered open courtyard (COC)
Covered section smaller than courtyard
3 parallel vaults running perpendicular to the back wall
6 bays of vaults
 

DESCRIPTION
This han, the "Lady's Han", is named in reference to its patron.  It faces west and lies parallel to the road. The mosque was perhaps located  in rooms in the courtyard, but this courtyard area is now gone.

DECORATION

There is an interesting Byzantine reuse stone in the façade showing two women in robes standing next to a basket.
 

DIMENSIONS
Area of hall: 640 m2

STATE OF CONSERVATION, CURRENT USAGE
The courtyard in the front part no longer exists.  The han currently serves as a furniture store.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES

Erdmann, p. 49-51, no. 10

Rice, p. 206
                                                                                                               

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