Orbelian's Caravanserai
Date:
1326–32
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Armenia
Description:
This caravanserai was built along the Vardenyats Mountain Pass (Armenia) to allow travelers and their animals to take shelter and rest. According to an Armenian inscription on the inside, it was built by Prince Chesar, a member of the noble Orbelian family of Armenia, and his brothers (described as being "handsome as lions"). The structure dates to the rule of the Ilkhanid Abu Sa'id Bahadur Khan (r. 1316–35).
A dragon-tailed sphinx and a bull flank the entrance to the vestibule, which also includes a muqarnas vault. On the inside, merchants and their animals stayed in separate parts of a three-aisled hall. Small openings allowed light and air to enter and smoke to escape. Unlike the Sultan Han, Orbelian's Caravanserai has no courtyard.
A dragon-tailed sphinx and a bull flank the entrance to the vestibule, which also includes a muqarnas vault. On the inside, merchants and their animals stayed in separate parts of a three-aisled hall. Small openings allowed light and air to enter and smoke to escape. Unlike the Sultan Han, Orbelian's Caravanserai has no courtyard.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
9
Repository and Online Resources:
• See an interactive plan with photos on the Courtauld's Crossing Frontiers website.
Image Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Tags:
Western Asian,
Status and identity,
Animals
