100 Caravanserais of Istanbul

The word "han" comes from the Persian word "hane" (house). In Arabic literature, the word "han" appeared with the construction of Han al-Akaban in 1213.

Hanas were used for two structurally different types: menzil hans (caravanserais) and city hans. While caravanserais served as accommodation stations during long journeys, city hans were places where goods were stored, sold, traded, merchants stayed, and trade and manufacturing were regularly conducted.

In Istanbul, one of the world's most important port cities, trade hans were undoubtedly among the most important instruments of urban life.

These hans were trade centers where goods from all over the world were stored and sold. In addition to their commercial function, hans also served as residences, thus having a similar function to modern-day hotels. Considering that many hans also served as main distribution points for various goods, it would not be wrong to say that Istanbul hans were commercial complexes that functioned as import-export centers, warehouses, shopping malls, and hotels.

In this book titled "Istanbul's 100 Hans," you will see original examples of hans referred to as Istanbul hans, as well as examples that underwent structural and spatial changes starting from the 19th century, and you will witness how important these hans were as instruments in urban life.