Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Understand
Ottoman Hans
Built by rich merchants,
hans
(caravanserais) enabled caravans to unload and trade their spices, furs, silks and
slaves right in the thick of the bazaar action. Typically two- to three-storey arcaded buildings set around a court-
yard where animals could be housed, they differed from Persian-style caravanserais in that they were used as stor-
age and trading spaces as well as for short-term accommodation. Although
hans
are found all over Turkey, the
concentration in İstanbul is unrivalled, a testament to the city's importance as a trading-route hub. Sadly, most are
in a dilapidated state today.
