Taşhan is a stone caravanserai built in 1218 during the Seljuk period in Malatya's Hekimhan district, and its trilingual inscription (Armenian, Arabic, and Syriac) on the gate makes it a unique example in Turkish-Islamic architecture.
Taşhan stands in the middle of the Hekimhan district center in Malatya. According to its inscription, it was built in 1218 during the reign of Seljuk Sultan Izz al-Din Kaykaus I by Ebusalim Bin Ebu-l Hasan Şamas El Hekim, one of the prominent physicians of the era. This doctor gave the inn its name; the district's name, Hekimhan, also derives from this. The inscription above the entrance gate is in three languages: Armenian on the left, Arabic in Seljuk thuluth script in the middle, and Syriac on the right. This trilingual inscription is the most talked-about feature of the structure.
The inn consists of two sections. In the front, there is a square-planned courtyard surrounded by rooms, each with a fireplace; these rooms are covered with ribbed barrel vaults. In the back, there is a rectangular-planned enclosed hall divided into three naves. This section was added during the reign of Alaaddin Keykubat. A third inscription from the Ottoman period documents that the structure underwent repair in 1661, during the reign of Mehmed IV. There are no ornaments; the stone masonry exhibits a simple, functional architecture for trade and accommodation.
The inn was restored between 2006-2009 by the Regional Directorate of Foundations. Some visitors criticize the restoration for paving the floor with cobblestones and painting the walls white, believing that the original texture was spoiled. At one time, there were shops inside, which later became vacant. Today, it is occasionally used as a wedding hall, and on Fridays, as a place where villagers sell local products. Entry may not always be free, and some visitors report finding it closed.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Malatya historical places, Atatürk House Museum.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
Hekimhan can be hot in summer and cold and snowy in winter. Spring or autumn months are more comfortable for travel and sightseeing. If you visit on a Friday, you'll have the chance to see the local farmers' market around the inn, which makes the visit a bit more lively. From a lighting perspective, going before noon is better to see the inscription details on the stone facade.
How to Get There
From Malatya city center, Hekimhan can be reached by private car or inter-district minibuses, taking approximately 1-1.5 hours. Once in Hekimhan, Taşhan is located in the Fatih neighborhood, in the district center. You can walk from the bus station or minibus drop-off point, or take a short local transport ride.
How Much Time to Allocate
Taşhan is a small structure. 20-30 minutes is sufficient to examine the exterior architecture, read the inscription, and glance at the courtyard (if open). In Hekimhan, you can also see the Köprülü Mehmet Pasha Mosque on the same day and plan a half-day trip.
Other Stops Nearby
The second stop frequently mentioned by visitors is the Köprülü Mehmet Pasha Mosque; both are in Hekimhan center, a few minutes' walk from each other. If you're adding Hekimhan to your Malatya itinerary, you can complete your day with museums in the city center or apricot orchards on your way back.
Things to Know Before Visiting
Some visitor comments indicate that entry to the interior is restricted and doors may be found closed; therefore, do not guarantee that you will be able to enter. There are criticisms that the restoration work (2006-2009) paved the floor with cobblestones and painted the walls with white wash. Some believe that part of the original texture has changed. There are no ornamental elements in the structure; expect simple stone architecture.
Good Spots for Photos
The trilingual inscription above the entrance gate is the most photographed detail. A shot taken from the courtyard entrance is suitable for capturing the gate arch and the inscription in the same frame. When the Friday market is set up, the activity in front of the inn also offers a frame reflecting daily life.
History
The construction of Taşhan follows a process documented by three separate inscriptions. The first section was completed in 1218 during the reign of Izz al-Din Kaykaus I, and the second section (the courtyard part) was completed during the reign of Alaaddin Keykubat (1219-1237). It is understood from the third inscription that the structure underwent repair in 1661 during the Ottoman period, in the reign of Mehmed IV. The person who had the inn built was the physician Ebusalim Bin Ebu-l Hasan Şamas El Hekim, who also gave his name to the inn and later to the district.
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