The Rich History of Hanonu Inn in Konya

If you're looking for a historical and architectural gem to explore, the Hanonu Inn is a must-see. Constructed in 1207 using a combination of finely cut and rough-hewn stones, ancient building materials, and spolia, this site boasts a rectangular planned footprint area, a charming courtyard, and an impressive covered/sheltered section.

Hanönü Inn is located on the Konya-Beyşehir route and is also known as Kuruçeşme Inn. The inn extends in the east-west direction and has a rectangular planned footprint consisting of a courtyard and a covered/sheltered section. In the middle of the eastern façade of the building, there is a portal that consists of a vertical rectangular mass designed to be flush with the façade and opens to the façade in the form of a pointed arch. The rectangular planned courtyard, which can be accessed through a deep entrance covered with a pointed barrel vault, is connected to a low-arched door opening and is surrounded by two opposing porticos that extend along the north and south sides with square columns. The courtyard is delimited by a door with a flat lintel on the north and south wings of the entrance iwan, as well as a room connected to the entrance iwan. Both rooms are rectangular in plan and covered with pointed barrel vaults. The mihrab niche on the qibla wall of the room in the south wing reveals that it was used as a masjid in the past. The covered/sheltered section on the western wing of the courtyard is divided into three square-planned, five-pillar, pointed barrel-vaulted naves, with the middle nave being wider and higher.

The inn was constructed using finely cut and rough-hewn stones, and ancient building materials were also used as spolia in the masonry. According to the highly damaged marble inscription on the pediment of the covered/sheltered section's portal, the building, which is described as a ribat (Arabic: hospice, hostel, base or retreat), was built during the second reign of Seljuk Sultan Kaykhusraw I in 1207.