A New Caravanserai Inscription from The Reign of Kaykhusraw I

Abstract

Turkish principalities and states were established in different regions alongside the rule of Turks in Anatolia. Zoning activities were carried out following resettlements and acquisitions in order to make them permanent. Having a dynasty be long-lasting, remain strong politically and militarily, and possess active intense commercial activities is important for the welfare of the communities being ruled. New trade routes are seen to have emerged in addition to the old routes during the Anatolian Seljuk era for this, with many caravanserais being built along these roads. Trade routes starting from Tabriz, the Caucasus, and Syria were able to reach Trabzon, Sinop, Konya, Istanbul, Aegean, and Mediterranean ports without interruption. Many caravanserais were also maintained between these centers to provide safe and comfortable transportation along these routes. The Anatolian Seljuk Empire was centered in Konya as the strongest of the Turkish principalities. Therefore, many caravanserais were built in and around Konya. These caravanserais were also called hans [roadside shelters] or ribats in terms of the type of building type regarding construction inscriptions. While the term han was used in the inscriptions for the majority of Anatolian caravanserais, ribat was preferred as a term for only a very few structures. Ribat occurs in the inscription catalogued under Inventory No. 28598(27) in the Ankara Ethnography Museum. The inscription was engraved during the reign of Kaykhusraw I. Choosing ribat as the term to identify the type of construction, it being constructed during the reign of Kaykhusraw I, and the name of the patron found in the inscription have led to suggestions as to which structure this inscription may belong.