The Seljuk Han of Anatolia
KESIKKOPRU HAN
 View of han from the Kesikköprü bridge |
 Main portal with inscription plaque (kitabesi) |
 Detail of key decoration of main portal |
 Central aisle of covered section |
 View into courtyard from main entry |
 Portal leading to the covered section |
 Cavalier perspective showing the unusual orientation of covered section in relation to the main portal |
 The Kesikköprü Bridge over the Kizil Irmak River |
DISTRICT
(IL)
40 KIRSEHIR
LOCATION
This han is located on the Kirşehir-Kayseri Road, 18 km south of Kirşehir on the right bank of the
Kızıl Irmak River. It lies next to a stunning Seljuk bridge over the river.
This bridge, one of the longest Seljuk bridges in Turkey, has 13 arches, and
still possesses its original ornate inscription plaque.
DATE
1268 (dated by inscription)
REIGN OF
Giyaseddin Keyhüsrev III
PATRON
Vizier Nureddin Cebrail Bin Caca, who was vizier and
governor of Kirşehir during
the reign of Giyaseddin Keyhüsrev III (1266-1283).
He was made governor of the city in 1261, and held it as late as 1271. He
is reponsable for numerous other foundations in Kirşehir,
Kayseri, and other cities.
BUILDING TYPE
Covered with open courtyard (COC)
Covered section is smaller than the courtyard
3 parallel aisles running perpendicular to the back wall
6 bays of vaults
DESCRIPTION
The "han of the broken bridge" faces west. There is a mosque to
the left side of the portal in the entry passageway. No bath has been noted.
The orientation of this han is unusual, with the covered section to the side of
the portal and not directly in its axis, as is the general rule (other hans with
this orientation are the Ağzikara and Durağan
hans).
DECORATION
There is a powerful decoration of key motifs over the arch of the portal door. Other decoration includes snakes,
braids and lions.
DIMENSIONS
Total area: 1000m2
Area of Hall: 310m2
Area of courtyard: 510m2
STATE OF CONSERVATION, CURRENT USAGE
The han has recently been restored, and is now used as a municipal wedding hall.
The setting of this han, in a quiet village next to the impressive Seljuk
bridge over the rapidly flowing waters of the Kizil Irmak, is quite dramatic.
BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES
Altun, p. 200
Erdmann, p. 74-77, no. 21
Hillenbrand, fig. 6.46, p. 552; 6.47, p. 347
Rice, p. 206
©2001-2008, Katharine Branning; All Rights Reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced in any form without written consent from the author.