Seljuk Caravanserais on the route from Denizli to Dogubeyazit The Karakhanids and Ghaznavids brought the concept of caravanserais, an architectural style with a strong social function originating from Central Asia, into Anatolian Turkish architecture. In Seljuk Anatolia, caravanserais became a common type of accommodation, utilizing the traditional forms of Anatolian stone architecture. These buildings, which offered merchants all necessary facilities and comforts of their time within a social framework governed by an organized and continuous state system, are seen as a distinctive element of Turkish culture. Along the Denizli-Dogubeyazıt Route, there are around 40 caravanserais, with ten of them being remarkably well-preserved. Some notable examples include Akhan, Ertokus Han, Saadettin Han, Obruk Han, Agzikarahan, Sultan Han (two locations), Oresin Han, Sikre Han, Mamahatun Caravanserai, and Hacibekir Han. Caravanserais served as resting places for traveling caravans. Their origin is linked to the nomadic lifestyle of the Turkish peoples from Central Asia. An early social institution called muyanlik, meaning "charity," "pious deed," or "benevolence," was established. These early facilities were simple inns offering travelers meals and lodging. By the 7th century, these basic inns evolved into more complex establishments known as ribats, a word meaning "inn," with evidence showing that hundreds of these ribats were built over time. The grand Seljuk caravanserais in Anatolia represent the peak of this architectural evolution. These caravanserais were large complexes providing food, drink, shelter, and care for the entire caravan, including people, animals, and goods. They also supported maintenance and treatment needs. Caravanserais were strategically placed along trade routes at distances matching the typical daily travel of caravans. This distance averaged about 30 kilometers (approximately 22 miles) under normal conditions, roughly equal to six hours of travel, with an additional two hours factored in for more difficult terrains like deserts. Caravanserais, or their simpler variants known as Hans, were generally positioned so that caravans would reach them by the end of a day's journey. The architectural design of caravanserais was influenced by environmental and climatic factors, but security concerns were paramount. For instance, caravanserais in eastern Anatolia, due to harsh weather and security risks, were constructed as small square fortresses with thick, solid stone walls. Moving westward, their design shifted to a U-shaped layout built from masonry and even mud bricks. Other differences can be seen in room dimensions, the sizes of doors and windows, and the organization of functional areas. Nevertheless, certain essential features were common to all caravanserais. Every caravanserai typically included essential facilities such as baths, a mosque, a well, an infirmary, a kitchen, storage areas for food supplies, and various shops. The staff often comprised specialists like a wainman, blacksmith, money-changer, tailor, cobbler, and veterinarian, among others. Around 250 Anatolian caravanserais have been documented, of which eight are known as sultanhan (meaning "sultan's han") and were all built during the 13th century. Most of these structures were erected early in the century and generally share a similar design: a central courtyard surrounded by enclosed yards occupying equal space. Seven of these carry inscriptions confirming their status as sultanhan, while one lacks such a marker. Some retain the Sultanhan designation, whereas others have adopted local names to set them apart. The Agzikarahan is believed to match the craftsmanship of the royal hans and stands out as one of the most important among the "ordinary" hans. This caravanserai features a grand entrance resembling a fortified castle. Its double gate, standalone mosque, domed hall, and the overall construction quality all qualify it as a true royal han. The main portal is decorated with intricate geometric patterns. A band of swastikas runs between the muqarnas above and the surrounding arches. Another caravanserai named Sultan Han located on the Kayseri-Sivas route is the second-largest in this collection, covering an area of 3,900 square meters. It replicates the design elements of the Konya-Aksaray station, featuring massive walls and tower-like turrets that give it a fortress-like appearance. The Seljuk Caravanserais along the route from Denizli to Dogubeyazit were added to the UNESCO Tentative List in 2000.