Sarihan Caravanserai Located on the outskirts of Avanos, the Yellow Caravanserai or Sarı Han is a beautiful building made of yellow-colored stones that was constructed in 1249. After undergoing extensive renovation work that started in 1991, the caravanserai has been restored to its current appearance. It's a popular destination for travelers who come to the region to witness the sema ceremony, a traditional Turkish dance performed by famous whirling dervishes. During the 12th and 13th centuries, the Seljuk sultans who ruled over the central regions of Asia Minor ordered the construction of numerous caravanserais, both along the Silk Road and other important trade routes. The ruling dynasty sought to compensate merchants who were assaulted and robbed along these paths by using state treasury funds to build new caravanserais. This support also included discounted customs duties for foreign merchants. The caravanserais were open to all traveling merchants, providing free food and drinks for the first three days of their stay, as well as medical care and assistance with pack animals. Each caravanserai had an innkeeper who provided lodging services, a doctor to attend to medical emergencies, a veterinarian to handle any animal-related issues, and cooks and imams to provide food and spiritual guidance. The Cappadocian caravanserais were constructed using volcanic rock and designed with high walls to protect travelers from bandits during their journey along the Silk Road. The Seljuk stone sculptures of the door frames are a remarkable example of architectural artistry from this period. The iron doors of these caravanserais were also intended to safeguard travelers against outside threats such as thieves and outlaws. Sarıhan caravanserai boasts a unique feature among other buildings of this kind, with a small mosque located over the main gate instead of in the courtyard's center. The building covers a vast 2000 square meter area with six open rooms covered by vaulted arches in the courtyard's center. On the right side, visitors can explore roofed rooms with intricately carved portals. At the entrance's opposite side, there is another portal that leads to a large domed room with dim lighting. This space serves as a venue for whirling dervish performances.