Büyükçekmece Caravanserai

Büyükçekmece Caravanserai, Büyükçekmece Han, Sultan Süleyman Caravanserai, Kurşunlu Caravanserai or Kurşunlu Han; is a caravanserai located in the district of Büyükçekmece in Istanbul Province, Turkey. In 1566, its construction was completed under the architecture of Mimar Sinan. Today it is used as a venue for cultural and artistic events.

History

The caravanserai was built as one of the stopping points on the main caravan and military road extending westward from Istanbul into Rumelia. In the past, a caravanserai existed at the same location during the reign of Fatih Sultan Mehmed, but no trace of that structure remains. It is not known with certainty who commissioned the existing caravanserai or on what date it was built. However, in connection with canal structures and other works, it is thought that the caravanserai may be contemporary with the works of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman: according to the TDV, the name of this caravanserai appears in Mimar Sinan’s list of works, and it was most likely built by Sinan during the Kanuni period (1520-1566) in the 16th century. When Evliya Çelebi stayed at Büyükçekmece Caravanserai on his way to Bosnia on 1069 Cemâziyelâhir (March 1659), an unpleasant incident also occurred.

Usage

During the years of World War II the caravanserai was used as a “military depot and lodging place, then it was turned into a hay barn by an individual. Over time it fell into ruin, and it was repaired by the General Directorate of Foundations in 1965-1966.