Avanos Sarı Han

Avanos Sarı Han, Anadolu Selçuklu period structure built as a caravanserai. Located on the Kayseri-Aksaray route approximately 10 km from the district of Nevşehir’s Avanos, and 6 km north of Ürgüp, it stands in the Damsa Çayı Valley on the left bank of the Kızılırmak River. The structure was built on a slope higher to the west than to the east. No trace of the historical caravan route remains to this day.

^Sarıhan (Anadolu Selçuklu Yapı Envanteri)

The structure is known as “Sarı Han” or “Avanos Han.” The name “Sarı Han” derives from the yellowish hue of the stones used in its construction. No written records from the Selçuklu period mention the name of this caravanserai, and it has attracted only limited scholarly attention.

Two inscriptions are present on the structure: one in the courtyard and the other above the entrance portal of the enclosed section (barınak). The authenticity and relationship of these inscriptions to the building remain debated.

• The inscription above the enclosed section’s portal contains the phrase “El-şükrü lillah”, but no definitive date can be derived from this phrase.
• The courtyard portal inscription bears the name of Sultan II. Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev (1237–1246). However, it is difficult to accept this inscription as an original document belonging to the structure.

Considering its architectural features and ornamentation, the structure is generally believed to have been built in the first half of the 13th century, most likely during the reign of II. Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev. Some researchers suggest that the original enclosed section may have been constructed during the time of I. Alaeddin Keykubad (around 1220), while the courtyard was added later during the reign of his son II. Gıyaseddin (1240s).

The caravanserai follows the typical Anadolu Selçuklu layout combining an open courtyard with enclosed spaces.

• Courtyard Section: The courtyard, entered through a portal facing east, has a rectangular plan. Double arcades line the southern façade, while vaulted spaces are arranged along the northern façade. One of these spaces was used as a bathhouse. A fountain eyvan is located to the south of the entrance. Stairs ascending to the roof from the northeast corner of the courtyard and an exit leading to the mosque above the entrance are also present.

• Mosque: Located above the entrance eyvan, the mosque has a square plan and is covered by a star-shaped vault resting on muqarnas squinches. Its mihrab is decorated with geometric motifs. In this arrangement, Sarı Han resembles examples such as Zazadin Han and Altınapa Han.

• Enclosed Section (Barınak): The enclosed section is a near-square rectangular space with five bays. A lantern dome with pendentives spans the central bay, providing structural transition. People, animals, and goods were housed here. The stepped levels created by the sloping terrain enhanced functionality.

^{Saruhan Süsleme Örneği} (Anadolu Selçuklu Yapı Envanteri)

Geometric decorations dominate the courtyard and barınak portals, the mosque entrance, and the mihrab. Muqarnas arches, zigzag motifs, polygons, and star compositions define the ornamental scheme. No vegetal or figurative motifs are present. The stonework shows parallels with structures such as Ağzıkarahan and Kayseri Sultan Hanı.

The entire structure covers approximately 2000 square meters, of which 1120 square meters belong to the courtyard and 570 square meters to the enclosed section.

In 1940, during the construction of a bridge over the Kızılırmak River in Avanos, portions of the caravanserai’s stones were removed. As a result, the exterior walls of the structure were largely damaged. Restoration carried out by the General Directorate of Foundations between 1986 and 1991 restored the building.

Today, Sarı Han is operated under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism by a private entity as a cultural center, hosting exhibitions, conferences, and Mevlevi sema ceremonies.