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Karatayhan
Perhaps
the best preserved of all Cappadocian caravanserais is
Karatayhan built by Celaleddin Karatay on the old
Kayseri-Malatya road, part of the main trade route into
Syria. Construction commenced during the reign of
Alaaddin Keykubat and was completed during of his son
Giyaseddin Keyhusrev in 1240/1241.
The endowment deed
of Karatayhan tells us that it was built to serve both
commercial and social functions. The ornately carved
portal which dominates the south wall measures 46 by 80
metres, and projects both beyond and above the wall. The
decoration includes floriate and figurative as well as
geometric motives which distinguishes it from other
Caravanserais. Along the eastern side of the courtyardt
are a series of long narrow chambers with pointed vaults
opening directly onto the courtyard, while an arcade
runs down the western side.
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