What is a caravanserai used for?
Variously described as “guest houses,” “roadside inns,” and “hostels,” caravanserais were buildings designed to provide overnight housing to travelers.
Who built caravanserai?
According to the studies, the first types of Persian Caravanserais were the buildings which was built by Acheamenied rulers 2500 years ago across the main road of empire for safeguarding of the road and for supporting the governmental express messengers which called Chapar.
What is the compound meaning of caravanserais?
There is relatively little known about the origins of the caravanserai. Etymologically, the word is a compound of the Persian kārvān, meaning caravan or group of travelers, and sara, a palace or enclosed building, with the addition of the Turkish suffix -yi.
Where did the caravanserai come from?
Found extensively from Turkey to China, caravanserai provided not only food and shelter but also an opportunity for merchants and others travelling to exchange goods, access local markets and meet and interact with people from across the vast regions encompassed by the Silk Roads.
Where was caravanserai located?
caravansary, also spelled caravanserai, in the Middle East and parts of North Africa and Central Asia, a public building used for sheltering caravans and other travelers. The caravansary is usually constructed outside the walls of a town or village.
What are three characteristics of a caravanserai?
Some caravansaries are of modest architectural merit, with well-hewn, massive walls and impressive proportions. Their gates are often decorated with intricate carving, as is the prayer niche within.
Who played on caravanserai?
There are three keyboardists: Gregg Rolie, Tom Coster, and Wendy Haas (formerly of Fanny). Two bass players: Tom Rutley and Doug Rauch. The Latin rhythm section is amazing: Jose Chepito Areas; James Mingo Lewis, and Mike Shrieve on drums. This really was a band of master musicians.
How many caravanserai are there in Turkey?
Nearly 100 Seljuk caravanserais still exist along the Silk Roadand other routes in former Seljuk lands. Many are in ruins, but some are well preserved and real treats to visit and explore.
What did the traders share with each other in the caravanserai?
Merchants on the silk road transported goods and traded at bazaars or caravanserai along the way. They traded goods such as silk, spices, tea, ivory, cotton, wool, precious metals, and ideas.
Who described the caravanserai as fit for a king?
Ibn Battuta, a 14th-century Muslim traveler, described the function of a caravenserai in the region of China: China is the safest and best country for the traveller.