Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Kesik Köprü Han
Kesik Köprü Han
Basic Details
Place name(s)
Kesik Kpr Han, Kirehir
Location
38 57.765', 34 11.822'
This han is located on the Kirehir-Kayseri Road, 18 km south of Kirehir on the right bank of the
Kzlirmak River.
(http://www.turkishhan.org/kesikkopru.htm)
Reign of
Giyaseddin Keyhsrev III
Date Constructed
1268 (dated by the inscription plaque over the entry door)
(http://www.turkishhan.org/kesikkopru.htm)
Patron: Vizier Nureddin Cebrail Bin Caca, who was vizier and governor of Kirehir during the reign of
Giyaseddin Keyhsrev III (1266-1283). He was made governor of the city in 1261, and held the post
as late as 1271. He is responsible for numerous other foundations in Kirehir, Kayseri, and other
cities.
(http://www.turkishhan.org/kesikkopru.htm)
Date Used/Dates mentioned
Date of disuse
Routes
Caravans associated with
The orientation of this han is unusual, with the covered section to the side of the portal and not
directly in its axis, as is the general rule (other hans with this orientation are the Azikara, Zazadin
and Duraan hans).
(http://www.turkishhan.org/kesikkopru.htm)
Previous archaeological approaches
Who has talked about it
Primary sources
Secondary sources
Identifying the caravanserai
How have the material remains or the site been identified as a caravanserai?
Place names
The "han of the broken bridge"
(http://www.turkishhan.org/kesikkopru.htm)
Architectural typology
Resemblance to other institutions
Dating the caravanserai
Function of the caravanserai
In what ways have functions of the site been identified?
Security
Commerce
Ownership
Other
Context
Date and geopolitics
Major events in the region
History of the site
Actors in the region
Government involvement
Other
The landscape
Zones of interest in the region
Routes and route facilties
Geographical setting
Places in landscape
Populated places nearby
Entry points in the landscape
Man-made features
http://anadoluselcuklumimarisi.com/fisdetay.asp?id=624
It lies next to a stunning Seljuk bridge spanning the river. This bridge, one of the longest Seljuk
bridges in Turkey, has 13 arches, and still possesses its original ornate inscription plaque.
(http://www.turkishhan.org/kesikkopru.htm)
Landscape features
The setting of this han, in a quiet village next to the impressive Seljuk bridge over the rapidly flowing
waters of the Kizil Irmak, is quite dramatic.
(http://www.turkishhan.org/kesikkopru.htm)
Space
Organisation of space
Inside
Vaults in Closed Section:
6
S-N
Outside
Presence of courtyard:
Closed section and hall
Closed and open space
Covered with open courtyard (COC)
Covered section is smaller than the courtyard
3 parallel aisles running perpendicular to the back wall
6 bays of vaults
(http://www.turkishhan.org/kesikkopru.htm)
Organisation of Plan:
Spaces arranged in rings radiating concentrically
Shelter:
Khans with shelter and services
Entry:
Single
Incorporation of natural features
Size
Total area: 1000m2
Area of Hall: 310m2
Area of courtyard: 510m2
(http://www.turkishhan.org/kesikkopru.htm)
Facilities of the caravanserai
Accommodation
Animal handling
Food preparation and consumption
Health and hygiene
Religion
There is a mosque to the left side of the portal in the entry passageway.
(http://www.turkishhan.org/kesikkopru.htm)
There is a powerful decoration of key motifs over the arch of the portal door. Other decorative
elements include snakes, bulls, braids and lions. The mihrab in the mosque is elaborately decorated
with carved stones.
(http://www.turkishhan.org/kesikkopru.htm)
Security
Water supply
Place
Significance of place
Territorial relationships
Social memory and history
Routes and movement
Emotional and sensual perception
Nomadism
Caravan siting
Movement
Protection
Connection with route networks
Visibility and perception
Water Supply
Proximity to major commercial hubs
Images
Kesik Kopru Han, in Hillenbrand (2000, 552, fig 6.46)
Kesik Kopru Han, in Hillenbrand (2000, 347, fig 6.47)
http://www.turkishhan.org/kesikkopru.htm
References
http://anadoluselcuklumimarisi.com/fisdetay.asp?id=623
http://www.turkishhan.org/kesikkopru.htm