Turkey: Historical caravansary draws visitors

By Turan Kazak

AKSARAY, Turkey (AA) - Sultanhani Caravansary, which was built in the 13th century in Anatolia during Seljuk period, delights visitors from all over the world.

Mustafa Dogan, Aksaray provincial head of the Culture and Tourism Ministry, told Anadolu Agency that the caravansary was built in 1229 during Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad’s period for accommodation and trade.

"Especially, the caravansaries located on the historical Silk Road, are very important for the tourism of Aksaray," Dogan told Anadolu Agency on Wednesday.

Sultanhani Caravansary is located 42 kilometers (26 miles) west of the Turkey's central province of Aksaray.

Dogan said Sultanhani was the "most important" caravansary in Anatolia.

Dogan said nearly 500,000 tourists, especially from Far East, visited the caravansary every year.

Chain Tao, a Chinese tourist, told Anadolu Agency on Tuesday that he visited the caravansary for the first time.

"I like it very much. I hope more tourists will come here to see this beauty," Chain said.

Metin Boga, a craftsman in the Sarayhani district, said they do their best to host visitors.

"This is one of the world's biggest caravansary. A lot of craftsmen make their living from tourism. Sarayhani is a district, where 20 tour buses come everyday," Boga said.