Taşhan (Bolu)

Taşhan, in Bolu, Central, is a caravanserai built with cut stone from the late Ottoman period, which today attracts interest with its appearance and is used as a book trade centre.

In the city there are Lower Taşhan and Upper Taşhan. Lower Taşhan, located west of the Yıldırım Bâyezid Mosque, was commissioned in 1750 by Emin Ağa from the east. Upper Taşhan was built in H. 1219/M. 1804 by Serbevvab Hacı Abdullah Ağa. The Eskici Baba Tomb is situated on the left side of the entrance.

The text of the inscription on Upper Taşhan:

Biavnillah, in the city of Bolu, this Han became nev’i cad Ne Valla Yıldırım Han mosque shrine haş âbâd

Ser bevvab, the lofty lodge, the residence of Pira Cenabi Hacı Abdullah Ağa, made it imhad

The surrounding community had previously poured a fountain; also those in need of many places had fountains

He made this to endow that new place, only then, the absolute powerful knowledge gave reward

This caravanserai, therefore, established the principle, a new style, twofold islands immersed, attributing its light to the sky

The shining of the water with respect, inside and out, all admiration, the upper floor also elevates its modesty with heartfelt joy

With this, the spirit of the sultan's peace, Veli, see the old stone han, did this han's share ...?

The description of this han, Ali made, the blessing high, also gave its reception guidance

The water would find the place, that vault of wine, this Han's pool existed and gave pure taste

Flowing water, included and excluded, its material is very valuable; may life be immediately there, make a prayer of goodness

Having taken this gem's secret, pierced and placed, found the place is Bolu Market; sweet this han became main ...

The work made that great effort, a great blessing within this city, his mercy passed, father, mother, public ancestors

Its purpose is this: beautiful dwelling, beautiful character; from eternity the intention is that the place may not be seen

Divine, protect this city from disaster, from opposite calamity, from the suffering of the people, may it come eternally

He turned the black house into a request and its desire, the date, Acap became a rare house, this beautiful new plan of the body

Year (1219) 1804