The Susuz Inn (Susuz Han)

The Susuz Inn (Susuz Han)

The Susuz Inn, also known as Susuz Han, is located in the village of Susuz near Bucak town, along the Antalya-Burdur Highway. This historic building dates back to around 1246 AD, during the reign of Gıyâseddin Keyhusrev, and is considered a masterpiece of Seljuk architecture.

The rectangular-shaped Susuz Han is oriented in an east-west direction and has nearly square dimensions. The exterior facade is adorned with intricate geometric patterns that blend plant, figural, and geometric motifs.

The Susuz Inn (Susuz Han)

There are differing opinions about the existence of an open courtyard within the caravanserai. Some scholars believe it was never built, while others think it may have been destroyed after construction. On the east side of the building, to the right of the entrance portal, are remnants of arched spaces that were once attached to a closed section. The walls supporting this closed section were reinforced with external buttresses and featured crenellated windows.

The eastern façade of the caravanserai at Susuz Inn is adorned with a pointed arch doorway, featuring intricate geometric patterns. The wide border includes a twelve-armed star insert ornament, while the next thinner border showcases a geometric interlaced design. The entrance of the pointed arch is surrounded by a vegetal border, and the corner corners next to the muqarnas cassock display seven rows of motifs. The kavsara sits on stalactite stirrups on both sides of the doorway. The columns are decorated with geometric designs and topped with acanthus-leaf capitals. The doors themselves are flat-arched.

One of the most striking features of the portal is the intricate figured decorations. Two dragons face each other in an opening with muqarnas hoods on either side of the doorway, with human heads in the middle. The upper two corners of the arches contain a pair of angel figures that appear to be rather distressed. Small lion statues line the sides of the door.

The caravanserai is divided into five naves with sixteen square-section piers and pointed arches. The central nave features a dome with pendentive transition, covered by vaulted ceilings. The dimensions of the caravanserai measure 28 meters by 30 meters.