Turkic Caravanserais of the 10th–12th Centuries on the Silk Road and the Building Types that played a Role in their Development

Ghaznavid, Karakhanid and Seljuk caravanserais, built between the 10th–12th centuries along the Silk Road's Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor, reflect a synthesis of architectural traditions that shaped Central Asian cultural and economic landscapes. These structures, serving as critical rest stops for caravans, evolved from earlier Achaemenid postal stations (çaparhane), Incense Road caravanserais, North Asian kurgan housing, and Early Middle Ages settlements. The study reveals how military and economic conditions influenced their dimensional and functional diversity, contributing to the development of Turkic architecture. By analyzing these influences, researchers provide insights into the historical significance of this architectural evolution and its enduring impact on contemporary understanding.

Kaya, A. (2025). Turkic Caravanserais of the 10th–12th Centuries on the Silk Road and the Building Types that played a Role in their Development. Hikmet, 4(2), 42–57. https://doi.org/10.47526/3007-8598-2025.1-20