Taşhan (Hoca Üveys Hanı) – Afyonkarahisar

Taşhan, a must-visit for those who want to explore the historical bazaar texture in Afyonkarahisar, is one of the structures that most concretely reflects the city's memory. Also known as Hoca Üveys Hanı, the building was constructed in the mid-17th century by Kadı Abdullah Efendi, the judge of the time; for many years, it served as a meeting point for merchants, travelers, and artisans.

The most striking element of the building is its large arched double-winged main entrance gate at the southern corner. As you step through this gate, where the intricacies of stone craftsmanship are displayed, you find yourself in the warm atmosphere of a two-story, courtyard caravanserai. The structure, also recorded in the Afyonkarahisar Municipality's records, is located within the boundaries of the Urban Conservation Area and is protected as cultural heritage.

There is no specific seasonal requirement to visit Taşhan; the structure can be visited year-round. However, spring and autumn months are the most ideal periods, both in terms of weather conditions and comfort for walking in the historic bazaar. Between April–June and September–October, Afyonkarahisar's cool and sunny weather makes spending time in the open courtyard quite enjoyable.

If you plan to visit during the summer months, it is recommended to choose early morning hours; in the afternoon, the temperature increase can be noticeably higher on the stone floor and in the courtyard. In winter, some shops may be open for limited hours, so it would be wise to inquire beforehand if you plan to shop.

Taşhan is located on the historic bazaar axis within walking distance of Afyonkarahisar city center. Thanks to its location between the Demirciler Bazaar and the Bedesten Bazaar entrance, those exploring the historic bazaar on foot can easily find the structure; moreover, it is within walking distance of other important points such as the Ulu Mosque and Afyonkarahisar Museum.

After reaching the city center by bus or minibus, it is sufficient to follow the Yemeniciler Bazaar axis towards Umurbey Neighborhood. For those arriving by car, there are paid and free parking areas around the historic bazaar, but due to the narrow street structure, it would be more practical to park in a wider area and prefer to walk.

You can enjoy the historical atmosphere by drinking tea and Turkish coffee at the small businesses operating in Taşhan's courtyard. From the shops selling local products, you can buy Afyonkarahisar's famous clotted cream (kaymak), sucuk (spicy sausage), and Turkish delight, satisfying your palate and taking an authentic gift to your loved ones.

For a more comprehensive dining experience, there are various restaurants and cafes on the historic bazaar axis immediately surrounding Taşhan. Poppy seed desserts and pişi, symbols of Afyonkarahisar cuisine, are also among the delicacies you will frequently encounter in the artisan restaurants in this area.

After being restored and transformed into a handicrafts bazaar, Taşhan is one of the rare places that offers products unique to Afyonkarahisar under one roof. In the shops of the two-story building, you can find hand-woven textile products, copper craftsmanship, wood carving objects, and local souvenirs.

As a tourist bazaar, Taşhan also sells local food products such as Afyonkarahisar kaymak, sucuk, and Turkish delight. Since product quality and prices may vary from shop to shop, it is recommended to compare a few shops before making a purchase.

Taşhan is a very fruitful place for photography enthusiasts. The most iconic shot of the building is undoubtedly the large arched entrance gate at the southern corner; early hours when the morning light falls on the stone surface are the most suitable time to photograph this gate. Perspective photos taken from inside the gate looking out or from outside looking in beautifully reflect the depth of Ottoman architecture.

Once you enter the courtyard, the symmetrical view of the two-story arcaded rows offers striking shots. The handicraft products and colorful textiles in front of the shops also contain interesting details for close-up photography. The light falling into the courtyard at midday highlights the stone texture, creating an ideal environment for architectural photography.

Taşhan can be included in a half-day walking route along with other important structures on Afyonkarahisar's historic bazaar axis. The suggested route can be structured as follows: Starting from the foothills of Afyonkarahisar Castle, visit the Ulu Mosque, then descend to the bazaar axis, explore the Bedesten Bazaar, and reach Taşhan. After a tea break at Taşhan, you can complete the tour with a walk that also covers the Demirciler Bazaar.

This route corresponds to approximately a 2–3 hour walk and allows you to experience Afyonkarahisar's historic urban fabric holistically. For those who wish to add the Afyonkarahisar Museum to the route, it is recommended to allocate an additional half-day.