The Seljuk Han of Anatolia

ORESIN HAN 

DISTRICT (IL)
68 AKSARAY

LOCATION
This han is located on the Aksaray-Nevşehir Road,  12 km east of Aksaray, 100 m to the northern side of the road. It is 12 km from the Alay han, and 17 km from the Ağzikara han.

[map]

OTHER NAMES
Tepsidelik Han

DATE
Unknown; considered to have been built in the third quarter of the 13th century by analysis of the stylistic features.
 

REIGN OF
Giyaseddin Keyhüsrev III

PATRON
Pervane Muineddin Suleyman

BUILDING TYPE

Covered, no courtyard (C)
 

DESCRIPTION
The han portal faces southeast and has one large hall with five aisles. The plan comprises an unusual layout of the aisles.  On either side of the central aisle are two pairs of vaults running perpendicular to the rear wall, and they are separated by a central transversal aisle running parallel to the back wall.  Two additional vaults running parallel to the rear wall are located on the front and rear walls.

Although not much remains standing, the pendentives on the dome, the architectural proportions and the workmanship are all impressive.

Since its inscription is missing, it is not known exactly when it was built or by whom. Researchers agree, however, that it probably dates from the third quarter of the 13th century.

The portal and part of the dome are in ruins, but the spaces are covered by cradle vaults and supported by symmetrically placed groups of three columns around the pendentive dome are striking in appearance.

DECORATION
It is not possible to get an idea of the original portal decoration in view of the current ruined state.

DIMENSIONS
Area of hall: 727 m2
Outer area: 560m2

STATE OF CONSERVATION, CURRENT USAGE
The facade and the first row of arcades of all the aisles are now destroyed, with only the back part remaining standing. Remains of the central dome still exist. It stands as a proud, dignified sentinel on this lonely stretch of road.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES

Bektaş, p. 106-107
Erdmann, p. 167-169, no. 51
Hillenbrand, fig. 6.57, p. 553
Rice, p. 206

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