Deveci Hanı, Edirne merkezinde Üç Şerefeli Camii yakınında bulunan 15. Yüzyıl Osmanlı hanı olup, defterhane olarak başlayıp 1845'ten 1949'a kadar cezaevi olarak işlev görmüş, günümüzde sergi salonları ve İl Kültür ve Turizm Müdürlüğü'ne ev sahipliği yapmaktadır.
Deveci Han stands in the center of Edirne, just below the Üç Şerefeli Mosque. Its facade, built with alternating courses of ashlar and brick, is considered one of the early examples of classical Ottoman caravanserai architecture. The exact construction date of the building is unknown. Based on its architectural features, it is dated to the first half of the 15th century, while some sources state it was built by İbrahim Pasha in 1497. Its initial purpose was interesting: it served as a defterhane, a place where official records and archives were kept.
Losing its importance after the capital moved to Istanbul, the building was renovated around 1845-1846 during the time of Governor Rüstem Pasha and converted into a prison. Approximately forty-five years later, during the time of Governor Hacı İzzet Pasha, a infirmary and additional sections for female prisoners were added to the north side; the part currently used as a multi-purpose hall comes from this addition. Its function as a prison continued until 1949 (according to some sources, until 1942). For this reason, the people of Edirne still refer to the building as the "old prison."
Between 1993 and 2000, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism restored it; the han is two-storied. On the ground floor, there are exhibition halls and workshops belonging to Edirne painters Hayri Çizel and Hasan Rıza, while the thirty-one rooms on the upper floor are used as administrative units. On the south facade, an inscription by Hafız Mustafa Razi, known as Çırpanlı Razi, describing the renovations, draws attention. Today, the building houses the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, making it one of Edirne's cultural centers.
Guide's Note
What kind of structure is Deveci Han?
The two-story building stands out with a wall structure that alternately uses ashlar and brick courses. This technique is frequently seen in early Ottoman caravanserai architecture. There are thirty-one rooms on the upper floor, which are currently used for administrative purposes. The ground floor is dedicated to exhibition halls and workshops.
The transformations the Han has undergone
The building was first used as a defterhane, meaning a building where official archives and records were kept. It lost its function when the capital moved to Istanbul. In 1845-1846, by order of Governor Rüstem Pasha, it was renovated and converted into a prison. Approximately forty-five years later, during the time of Governor Hacı İzzet Pasha, an infirmary and sections for female prisoners were added to its north. Its function as a prison continued until 1949. It is still known as the old prison among the public.
How to get there?
Deveci Han is located in the historical center of Edirne, appearing as you walk down from the Üç Şerefeli Mosque. It is positioned right in front of the governor's building. Since it is within walking distance of Sokullu Hamam and the Clock Tower, it is considered a natural stop on a historical peninsula tour. As it is in the city center, finding parking is not difficult for those arriving by car.
What is around it?
The Han is in the most historically dense area of Edirne. Sokullu Hamam is 220 meters to the south, the Clock Tower is 230 meters away, and the Üç Şerefeli Mosque is 250 meters away. Beylerbeyi Mosque and Eski (Ulu) Mosque are also within walking distance. When planning a half-day trip, one can easily move between these stops.
How much time should be allocated for the visit?
30-45 minutes is sufficient for the han itself. Looking at the works in the exhibition halls and the architectural details fills this time. However, if you plan it together with the surrounding mosque, hammam, and clock tower, this area alone forms a half-day route.
Where to look for photos
The alternating ashlar-brick masonry on the facade is clearly visible, especially in the afternoon light. The inscription by Çırpanlı Razi on the south facade, with its text describing the building's renovation history, is a striking detail. Shots taken from the courtyard entrance show the han's symmetrical two-story structure well.
Things to know before you go
Since the building is actively used by the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism today, some sections may be closed to visitors. It would be beneficial to confirm whether the exhibition halls are open and their operating hours by phone or in person before visiting.
This content originates from neresigezilir.com.tr and may not be copied without permission.
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