--- title: Zazadin Inn (Caravanserai) slug: zazadin-inn-caravanserai-211d0 url: /detay/zazadin-inn-caravanserai-211d0 type: article language: English entity: primary: Zazadin Inn (Caravanserai) type: article disambiguation: Explore Zazadin Inn, a massive Seljuk caravanserai near Konya, Turkey. Discover its history and architecture! categories: - name: Architecture slug: mimari url: /kategori/mimari - name: Travel And Tourism slug: seyahat-ve-turizm url: /kategori/seyahat-ve-turizm - name: Archeology slug: arkeoloji url: /kategori/arkeoloji tags: - Seljuk Sultan - Zazadin Han - Caravanserai - Anatolian Seljuk - Architectural Features author: Melike Saraç created_at: 2025-06-18T23:13:01.447285+03:00 updated_at: 2025-06-24T15:57:59.191053+03:00 --- # Zazadin Inn (Caravanserai) ## KURE Information Cards ![Ek Açıklama 2025-06-18 231736.jpg](https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/06/18/agyhdi0mv6u8IcxFNMDROWRrW1Pdr1LH.jpg) | Field | Value | |-------|-------| | Purpose(s) | To serve guests and caravans on the trade route | | Period(s) | Anatolian Seljuk State | | Architectural Style(s) | Seljuk khan architecture | | Material(s) | Cut stone | | Location | Konya Selçuklu district | | Current Status | Open to visitors after restoration | | Commissioned | Emir Zazadin Atabey | | Year of Construction | 1235–1237 | ## Article Content [Zazadin Inn](/en/detay/zazadin-hani-c7b98/llms.txt) is located approximately 22–25 kilometers from the city center of [Konya](/en/detay/konya-province-12f4c/llms.txt), near Tömek Village, about 5 kilometers off the Aksaray–Konya highway. It is considered the largest caravanserai of the Anatolian [Seljuk](/en/detay/museum-of-the-seljuk-civilization-2ad43/llms.txt) State in Konya. The structure was built on a rectangular plan extending in an east-west direction. ![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/06/15/WWHrGcfHWDE3k5sova7mf5XXOt7J94A5.jpg) *Zazadin Inn (Republic of Türkiye, Seljuk District Governorship)* ### **Historical Background** Construction of [Zazadin Han](/en/detay/zazadin-hani-b711a/llms.txt) began in 1235 during the reign of [Anatolian Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I](/en/detay/alaeddin-keykubad-the-sultan-who-beautified-anatol/llms.txt) and was completed in 1237 during the reign of his son, Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev II. The caravanserai was commissioned by the Seljuk vizier [Sadettin Köpek](/en/detay/sadeddin-kopek-2/llms.txt). In the inscriptions, he is referred to as "Köpek bin Muhammed." He was also known as the *Emir-i Şikar* (Master of the Hunt), a miniaturist, and an architect, suggesting he may have been the building's designer. Originally named "Sadeddin Inn," the name gradually evolved among locals into "Zazadin Inn." ![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/06/15/GF2LgHHCfVbQqdfaDgLbohLeDwSk1cmI.jpg) *Zazadin Inn (Republic of Türkiye, Seljuk District Governorship)* ### **Architectural Features** Zazadin Inn follows the classic Seljuk caravanserai style, consisting of two main sections: a summer section ([courtyard](/en/detay/sultanhani-kervansarayi-08f43/llms.txt)) and a winter section (covered/sheltered area). The open courtyard was used in warmer months, while the covered area served travelers during winter. The building measures 104 meters in length and 62 meters in width. The outer façade walls are supported by protruding prismatic masses composed of polygonal, square, and cylindrical buttresses and corner towers. Spolia (reused stones) from the Roman and Byzantine periods were incorporated into the wall facades, giving the structure a historical layering. ![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/06/15/2m9L7VzrMiaJHypNZS2NtsNx7KPdFVno.jpg) *Zazadin Inn (Republic of Turkey, Seljuk District Governorship)* ### **Portals and Decorative Elements** Zazadin Han features two distinct portals: one leading to the courtyard and the other to the covered section. The southern courtyard portal stands out with its alternating use of two-colored stones in a mixed masonry technique and its limited geometric ornamentation. It forms a rectangular prism and is topped by a [mosque](/en/detay/sultan-alaeddin-mosque-db68c/llms.txt) situated above it, which is surrounded by columns with rope motifs and covered by a star vault. A staircase in the northwest of the courtyard connects the mosque with the ground level. The portal of the covered section opens into the courtyard and features a flat arch. The interior is covered with pointed barrel vaults, with the central area forming a higher and wider nave topped by a dome that transitions using squinches. During restoration, this dome was covered with an octagonal prismatic drum and an octagonal pyramidal cone made of transparent polycarbonate material. ### **Interior Layout** The courtyard of Zazadin Inn contains a total of 24 rooms, some open-fronted and others enclosed. In addition to these, the structure houses a mosque, a bath, storage rooms, warehouses, and stables. Along the south, east, and north edges of the courtyard are semi-open and closed spaces. Four rooms are located on the eastern edge, while the northern side contains two rows of vaulted galleries and several rooms. In some parts of the structure, both brick cross vaults and barrel vaults are used together. ## Academic Sources and References 1. Akman, Muhammed Ali. “Zazadin Hanı İhtişamıyla Konuklarını Bekliyor.” Anadolu Ajansı. Accessed 18 June 2025. https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/kultur-sanat/zazadin-hani-ihtisamiyla-konuklarini-bekliyor/1333582. 2. T.C. Konya Valiliği. “Zazadin Hanı.” T.C. Konya Valiliği. Accessed 18 June 2025. http://www.konya.gov.tr/zazadin-hani. 3. T.C. Selçuklu Kaymakamlığı. “Zazadin Hanı.” T.C. Selçuklu Kaymakamlığı. Accessed 18 June 2025. http://www.selcuklu.gov.tr/zazadin-hani. 4. Özekinci, Engin. “Selçuklu’nun Konya’daki En Büyük Kervansarayı: Zazadin Hanı.” Anadolu Ajansı. Accessed 18 June 2025. https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/turkiye/selcuklunun-konyadaki-en-buyuk-kervansarayi-zazadin-hani/1623609.