Magnificent Heritage from Seljuks to Konya

In history, caravanserais, which were the accommodation centers for travelers and made significant contributions to the development of trade, Zazadin Inn stands as one of the largest examples in Anatolia and has managed to survive until today, drawing attention with its architectural beauty.

In Anatolia, hundreds of caravanserais were built by the Seljuks from east to west and from south to north on various routes. These caravanserais continue to stand as the most significant historical monuments that reflect the importance the Turks placed on trade, their delicate architectural understanding, hospitality, and the concept of a social state. Located 22 kilometers away from Konya, near the village of Tömek, approximately 5 kilometers off the Aksaray-Konya highway, this inn is known as one of the most beautiful structures within the network of Seljuk caravanserais.

Selçuk University's (SU) Faculty Member in the Department of Art History, Prof. Dr. Ali Baş, stated that caravanserais were among the most significant structures during the period of the Anatolian Seljuk State. When talking about caravanserais, he pointed out that Konya, the capital of the Anatolian Seljuks, is one of the first cities that comes to mind in Turkey. Emphasizing that not only caravanserais but all the structures that have survived from the past are like title deeds and material cultural assets, he said, "They are our heritage, our tangible cultural treasures."

Dr. Şükrü Dursun, a Research Assistant in the Department of Art History at Selçuk University, who conducts research on Anatolian Seljuk Caravanserais, emphasized the great importance given to caravanserai construction during the Seljuk period. He particularly highlighted that numerous caravanserais were built during the reign of Alaeddin Keykubat. Dr. Dursun mentioned that there are two inscriptions at the entrance and the door of the enclosed section of the inn, providing information about who and when it was built. The inn was commissioned by Sadettin Köpek, who was one of the viziers of the Anatolian Seljuk State and gained renewed attention in recent years due to the TV series "Diriliş Ertuğrul." Originally, the inn was named "Sadettin Inn" during its construction period, but over time, its name changed, and it became known as "Zazadin Inn" among the local people.

Dr. Şükrü Dursun highlighted that Zazadin Inn sheds light on the Seljuk history by serving caravans and armies that used its route for hundreds of years. He noted that during the construction of Zazadin Inn, remnants from the Roman and Byzantine periods were also utilized, evident in many walls of both the enclosed and open sections where these ancient artifacts are integrated. The courtyard of the inn contains 24 rooms of various sizes, both open and covered, along with a mosque, a bathhouse, granaries, storage areas, and stables. The presence of white and light brown cut stones in its walls showcases the significant craftsmanship of the Seljuk era, making it an important monument reflecting Seljuk stone masonry.