INCIR HAN: A PEEK BEHIND CLOSED DOORS ON THE SELJUK CARAVAN ROAD

Ciric Han is somewhat of a forbidden fruit. Why? Because you will, for the most part, come to a dead end at the barred doors of this abandoned caravanserai hidden out in the countryside, not far from Bucak. Does this imply that you need not to go? Not at all. The D650 main road between Antalya and Burdur substantially overlaps with an ancient caravan path connecting the Seljuk caravanserais, as we previously stated in our post about the neighbouring Susuz Han. Another stop on that same route is Incir Han. If you find yourself on the D650, stopping by this caravanserai just requires a short detour. Even if you are unable to enter, the outside is still worth viewing.

Incir Han Lies Almost Entirely Below The Current Street Level

INCIR HAN OR FIG TREE HAN – DATED 1238-39

Similar to Susuz Han, Incir Han is a Sultan Han, meaning that the same Sultan, Giyaseddin Keyhüsrev II, who also ordered Susuz Han, directly commissioned this caravanserai. The name of the Sultan who gave this Han and the building date are both mentioned in the inscription on the crown entrance. Just before Susuz Han, in 1238–1239, was built Incir Han, which most likely took its name from the fig trees that grew nearby. (Incir is Turkish for “fig”).

The Well Preserved Inscription On The Crown Door At Incir Han

Incir Han is still unrestored and unknown to most tourists, in contrast to Susuz Han. Even yet, there are still a lot of parallels between the two Hans, with the exception that Incir Han is rectangular in design and has a sizable courtyard in front of it rather than square. The Han is comparatively intact, but the courtyard is utterly destroyed.

An Almost Cathedral Like Feel At Incir Han

When Architecture Blows You Off Your Feet

Incir Han’s covered section has a central nave with two side naves and seven aisles. The light was let in via the slit windows, some of which are still untouched today. Barrel vaults support the whole covered section. Today, with parts of the roof collapsed, the interior has a cathedral-like feel to it, especially since it is a lot less dark than it must have been when this Han was still in use. Researchers concluded that, just like Susuz Han, Incir Han had loading platforms in the covered section.

Inside, The Arches Are Well Preserved, And The Walls Are Filled With Graffiti

THE LION AND THE RISING SUN

Incir Han’s crown door and gateway are ornately ornamented, but two motifs in particular catch the eye. You will notice two lions with a rising sun and a human face on either side of the portal. Known as şir-i hurşid, this motif was also used on coins under the reign of Giyaseddin Keyhüsrev II. The lions are seen as a regal emblem that sprang from a genuine symbol of authority because the Sultan was also the one who donated the Han.

The Lion Is Pretty Damaged, But You Can Still See The Sun’s Eyes

If This Doesn’t Impress You…

FINAL THOUGHTS ON INCIR HAN

Incir Han, which dates back to the prosperous era of the Anatolian trade routes, provided free lodging for up to three days to traders and their animals. On the other side of the street, just before you get to the caravanserai, there’s a fountain that was formerly a part of a larger, later-built hammam complex. Although this caravanserai isn’t a destination in and of itself, it is well worth the brief detour if you are in the vicinity, if only to see its exquisite portal. In the interim, please let us know if you are able to solve the enigma of the field next to the Han that is covered in blue-painted trees.

POSTS NEARBY

• Kremna: an ancient site called cliff
• Sagalassos: ancient site in Turkey that should be on your list!
• Little-known Ariassos: hiking Roman roads in Antalya
• The carpet fields of Antalya: Döşemealtı’s sea of color