A Caravanserai from 16th century in Sivas "Behram Pasha Han"

Abstract

Behram Pasha Han located in the center of Sivas was constructed as the part of important construction activities carried out within the city in the sixteenth century. Han which is in Ottoman Classical Style has no inscription about first construction. Behram Pasha Han (Fig. 1) is a city inn providing combined use of accommodation for travellers and offices and storage spaces for tradesmen. It is nearly square in plan. It is a two storey building with a spacious courtyard. The courtyard is surrounded by arcades on its three sides at the ground level. There is stable along the northwest side of the ground floor. According to the late Ottoman inscription over its entrance, it was converted into a military barrack at the end of the 19th century. In the Republican period the building had been used for military purposes until 1976. Since the building is of waqf origin, it was handed over to the General Directorate of Pious Foundations in 1967. After the Ministry of Defense abandoned the building, it was used for different purposes. Finding appropriate uses for Behram Pasha Han is important for the preservation and sustainability of the monument. The architectural properties of the historic building offer several possibilities for reuse; it can be converted into a social, cultural and touristic center. Its new use can contribute to the improvement of cultural tourism in the city.