The Impact of Trade on Architecture During the Seljuk-Ottoman Period: A Study on Caravanserai and Khan Structures in the Southeastern Anatolia Region

Abstract

This study analyzes the impact of trade on architectural structures and examines how caravanserais and khans gradually transformed into commercial centers. Sixty-one structures built between the 13th and 20th centuries in the Southeastern Anatolia Region were identified, though historical information was unavailable for 12 of them. Among the 49 examined buildings, four belonged to the Seljuk period, 3 to the Early Ottoman period, and 42 to the Ottoman period. Eight well-preserved structures with clearly identifiable architectural elements and documented construction dates were selected for detailed analysis. The selection process included examples from the Seljuk (13th century), Early Ottoman (14th-15th century), and Ottoman (16th century and beyond) periods. Field studies were conducted to document the structures' current condition. In contrast, archival documents and official records were used to analyze architectural plans, facade designs, and the relationship between open and closed spaces. Comparative analyses were carried out through visuals, tables, and drawings, which were systematically converted into schematic representations and categorized based on their construction periods. The findings reveal that trade routes and economic changes directly influenced the architectural plans of khans and caravanserais. While security-focused structures were common in the 13th century, declining trade in the 14th century led to the preference for smaller, enclosed plans. From the 15th century onwards, courtyards were reintroduced, and during the Ottoman period, khans evolved into commercial centers. After the 16th century, shop units were added, the number of floors increased, and aesthetic elements became more prominent in the 18th and 19th centuries. This study highlights the architectural transformation of khans and caravanserais, emphasizing the impact of trade on their identity and the significance of factors contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage.

Keywords

• Caravanserai
• Khan
• Ottoman
• Seljuks
• Trade
• Southeastern Anatolia