Suluhan Caravanserai is a two-story Ottoman inn located in the Beypazarı district of Ankara, built by Nasuh Pasha in 1613; it functioned as a commercial center with 26 rooms, 54 shops, a masjid, and a water feature in its courtyard.
As soon as you step into Beypazarı's historical bazaar, you will encounter the Suluhan Caravanserai, one of the rare structures that carries the urban trade architecture of the Ottoman period to the present day. Built by Nasuh Pasha, one of the Ottoman grand viziers, on March 17, 1613, the inn functioned as a lively stop on the Ankara-Istanbul route, where both merchants stayed and trade took place. Reflecting the architectural understanding of its period with its two-story and two-courtyard masonry structure, the caravanserai also took its name from the water element in its center.
The inn houses 26 rooms, 54 shops, a marketplace, and a masjid. Today, this venue has been transformed into a cultural and commercial area hosting various exhibitions and selling souvenirs. When visited together with Beypazarı's historical houses, old bazaar, and other Ottoman structures, a comprehensive picture of the district's past emerges.
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Guide's Note
Located within Beypazarı's historical bazaar, Suluhan Caravanserai is a stop that attracts visitors with its Ottoman-era architecture. Its stone courtyard, original facade, and general atmosphere are positively received by most visitors; it stands out as a suitable spot for those who want to take a short break during their Beypazarı trip.
Inside the inn, there is a small business affiliated with the municipality; it offers self-service tea, coffee, ice cream, and various desserts. The outdoor tables in the courtyard and the seating area by the ablution fountain are appreciated by visitors. In addition, handicraft workshops and small sales points are also located in the venue; it is sometimes seen to host exhibitions and events. While some state that prices are reasonable compared to the region, different experiences are reported regarding service quality and pricing.
There is a clear division of opinion among visitors regarding restoration. While some believe that the venue is well utilized, some state that the ceiling restoration in the interior did not adhere to the original texture and that adding a roof to a part of the inn damaged the historical structure. It may be useful to keep in mind that access to the upper floors may sometimes be closed.
- Restoration concerns: Interior ceilings and the added roof section are found to be contrary to the historical texture.
- Service inconsistency: At least one visitor reports encountering rude behavior during the correction of an order error and finding the prices high.
- Noise: There are complaints about loud music being played in the businesses.
- Limited access: Upper floors may not always be open to visitors.
- Commercial variety: There are visitors who think that the sales points should be richer.
About Suluhan Caravanserai
Suluhan Caravanserai is one of the rare surviving examples of urban inns that formed an important link in the trade network of the Ottoman Empire. Built by Nasuh Pasha in 1613, the structure takes its name from the water element in its courtyard. This inn, built with a two-story and two-courtyard masonry construction technique, concretely reflects both the architectural and commercial understanding of its period.
Suluhan, also used as a stopping point on the Ankara-Istanbul route, served as a center where merchants both stored their goods and spent the night safely. Its 26 rooms, 54 shops, marketplace, and masjid reveal how comprehensively the structure was designed as a trade complex. Today, this historical venue continues to welcome its visitors with souvenir shops and exhibition areas.
Best Time to Visit
Although Beypazarı can be visited all four seasons, spring and autumn months offer the most comfortable period. Between April-May and September-October, the weather is mild, and the bazaar and inn surroundings are quite lively. In summer, Ankara's heat is also felt in Beypazarı; therefore, visits in the early morning or late afternoon may be preferred.
The number of visitors to the district significantly increases on weekends; those who want to see both the caravanserai and the historical bazaar in a calmer atmosphere may consider planning a visit on a weekday. On days when Beypazarı's local market is set up, the bazaar area gains a completely different vibrancy.
How to Get There?
The most practical way to reach Beypazarı from Ankara is by private car. The district, located approximately 100 kilometers from Ankara city center, can be reached in an average of 1.5 hours via the D200 highway. Those arriving by car can easily reach the caravanserai via Demirciler Street.
For those preferring public transport, Beypazarı minibuses and buses departing from various points in Ankara operate regular services. After getting off in the district center, the caravanserai is within walking distance. Taxi services are also available within the district.
Beypazarı Route Suggestion
Visiting Suluhan Caravanserai not alone, but together with other historical sites in Beypazarı, makes the visit much more meaningful. The suggested route can be structured as follows: First, visit the Historical Beypazarı Houses and Adobe Mansions to see the district's civil architecture, then walk to Suluhan Caravanserai. After resting in the inn's courtyard, you can explore the Old Bazaar and see the Love Fountain.
If you have energy in the afternoon, adding a short nature walk to İnözü Valley completes the route beautifully. Beypazarı Living Museum is also a must-see stop, especially for those interested in history. It is recommended to allocate a full day for a trip covering all these points.
What to Eat, Where to Eat?
Beypazarı is a district known for its local delicacies as well as its caravanserai. In restaurants around the historical bazaar, Beypazarı stew, keşkek, and local soups are frequently served. The district's famous dried fruit and fruit leather are indispensable shopping items for visitors.
Inside the caravanserai and in small shops around it, there is an opportunity to taste and buy local products. Trying Beypazarı-specific sweets such as tahini halva and walnut delight in traditional cafes and patisseries within the bazaar also offers a pleasant experience.
Photo Spots
Suluhan Caravanserai is a very productive place for photography enthusiasts. The courtyard gate and in front of the stone arches offer frames that reflect the Ottoman architecture of the structure in its simplest form. Shots taken from inside the courtyard looking up through the two-story arcades create impressive perspectives.
The light falling into the courtyard in the early morning creates a warm texture on the stone surfaces, and this time of day is particularly suitable for photography. The wooden bay windows and colorful facades of the historical Beypazarı houses immediately surrounding the caravanserai also offer valuable shots for the lens.
Things to Know Before Visiting
Since the caravanserai's floor coverings and stairs are made of historical stone material, it is recommended to wear comfortable, non-slip shoes. As the structure is two-story, stairs are unavoidable; therefore, access to some sections may be limited for visitors with mobility restrictions.
The hours of the shops and exhibition areas inside may vary according to the season and event calendar. Following the current announcements of Beypazarı Municipality before your visit will prevent surprises. Parking space around the caravanserai is quite limited; it would be more practical for those arriving by car to choose one of the car parks in the district center.
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