Kirkgoz Han

LOCATION
This han is located 24 km northwest of Antalya on the Burdur Road. Take the turnoff for the village of Yeniköy, which is approximately 10km from the main highway. The han is approximately 10km past the village, to the left of a brick factory. The han is 300m to the right of the Çubuk Gorge, in a scenic setting of stunning beauty.

DATE
1237-46
Dating is according to the inscription of 5 lines above the southern entrance door.

Giyaseddin Keyhüsrev II (+1246).

PATRON
Unknown; Aslanapa believes it to be Sultan Giyaseddin Keyhüsrev II.
Although the inscription is fragmentary and hard to read, it is possible to read the name and title of Giyaseddin Keyhüsrev, with the mention of "built in the reign of", which does not necessarily indicate that it was built by royal prerogative.

DESCRIPTION
The han faces the direction of Antalya. It is made of aggregate stone. This is the third han built by Giyaseddin, but this one differs from the classical open arcade scheme of the others.

The han is similar in plan to its nearby cousin, the earlier Evdir Han, with its arcaded courtyard of open cells. However, in this han a covered horizontal section is added to the rear of the courtyard. This substantial section dominates the entire plan. It is also similar to the plan of the Kargi han, with the mosque to the right rear of the courtyard.

The vast central courtyard (33 x 52 m) is surrounded on the eastern and western sides by an arcade of 6 open cells on each side. Each arcade ends with a large, closed room, the same depth as the the arcades but covered with a varrel vault of wider and higher span. The room to the right may have served as the mosque (as in the Kargi Han). There are no window slits on the outer faces of the arcades

The facade of the han (southern side) is bare, with square towers on the corners and between the corners and the entry (4 in total).

To the rear (northern side) of the courtyard is one long, vaulted aisle (11 x 60m), divided into seven sections by six flat ribs. It is higher in elevation than the eastern and western arcades. This covered section is entered by a very small door and is lit by very narrow slit windows and lantern holes. It resembles the Şarafsa Han in appearance.

On the southern side are 4 covered rooms, which probably served as rooms for the guards. They are entered by small doors, covered by roughly-constructed, slightly pointed arches.

The han is also notable for having sparse decoration. The entrance portal is fairly simple, unlike the elaborate program of the entry door at Evdir. There is no decoration on the cut stone walls, which show an impressive quality of workmanship. Many of the stones bear stonecutters' marks. The stones of the portal are of better quality and are better hewn than the walls. The entry gate comprises a deeply recessed niche framed by a short, pointed-arch surrounded by a double molding. Completing the scheme are two engaged columns with simple cubic capitals and vases which carry the ornamental arch. There is a stone seat in the niche, but no lateral recessed areas for guards.

Despite the decorative simplicity, this is a dignified and impressive han.

DIMENSIONS
3,000 m2
As at Evdir Han, the size of the courtyard is vast (33 x 52m) and gives the impression of a military campground.

STATE OF CONSERVATION, CURRENT USAGE
It is in good condition. The portal is intact, which is quite unusual. It has been used for sheltering animals and occasionally for special meeting or tourism events, but has been completely restored in 2007.

Arcade of 6 open cells on eastern side of courtyard

western arcades

closed rooms on each side of entryway; view from courtyard looking south

small door for entry to southern side closed rooms

entry portal with view onto entry of northern hall across the courtyard