The Seljuk Han of Anatolia
SUSUZ HAN
 post-renovation photo of lateral view from north (2009 photo courtesy of Iain McCulloch) |
 Lateral view from north |
 View of main portal showing stalactite vault |
 |
 Niche inside of main portal, showing high-relief sculptures of winged angels |
 Central aisle of covered section showing lantern dome |
 Side aisle vaults of covered section |
DISTRICT
(IL)
15 BURDUR
LOCATION
This han is located in the village of Susuzköy, about 2 miles to the
east off of the Antalya-Burdur Road. It lies
1000 m to the right of the road, south of a brick factory.
OTHER NAMES
Ağlasun Han
DATE
1244-46 (by stylistic analysis)
REIGN
OF
Giyaseddin Keyhüsrev II
BUILDING TYPE
Covered with open courtyard (COC)
Covered section smaller than courtyard
Covered section with a middle aisle and 2 aisles on each side
5 bays of vaults
DESCRIPTION
The han faces east, perpendicular to the road. Despite its small size,
this is an impressive han. Its portal is one of the most interesting of
all the hans.
At
the present time it is a square building, with a dome in the center of the three
vaults. Apparently there was on open courtyard in the front which is no
longer in existence. The han may have been unfinished and left incomplete.
There is no inscription over the hall door, although there appears to be a place
for it.
Of excellent stonework, the exterior is fortified with octagonal tower-like buttresses. Impressive features include the cone-shaped lantern turret with a grooved roof rising in the cross-section of the vaults, the decoration of the gateway, and the regular stone masonry.
DECORATION
The high-quality stonework of the portal is impressive, and is similar to
the Ak Han in appearance. It comprises a door
with a high pointed arch an an elaborate frame decoration of arrows and
braid work. Such a rich decoration befits the style of a sultan hans.
Calligraphic and vegetal patterns dominate the decorative scheme. The
spandrels of the lateral niches of the portal are decorated with high-relief
radiating figures of winged angels. These unusual angel sculptures have made this
han famous. The angels hold a roundel that was
probably once an armorial symbol but has since eroded effaced. Over the arch
surmounting the niche are figures of serpents holding small human heads in their
mouths. Other decorative elements include arabesques, dragons, human figures, rope
bands, and swastikas.
DIMENSIONS
Total area: 860 m2
Area of hall: 690 m2
STATE OF CONSERVATION, CURRENT USAGE
This han has been repaired and is in good condition. It is an
impressive han to visit due to the elaborate portal. There are apparently
plans to convert it into a tourism business. The han was totally restored in
2009-2009 with the addition of a fluted dome that appears foreign to the Seljuk
decorative canon.
BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES
Acun, p. 272-285 (includes extensive bibliography in Turkish); 462; 464-65; 526
Altun, p. 200
Bektaş, p. 62-63
Erdmann, p. 111-114, no. 30
Ertuğ, p. 80
Karpuz, Kuş, Dıvarcı
and Şimşek (2008), vol.
1, p. 219-20.
Rice, p. 206
Unsal, p. 49
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©2001-2011, Katharine Branning; All Rights Reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced in any form without written consent from the author.
