Khan As'ad Pasha

Khan As'ad Pasha
خَان أَسْعَد بَاشَا
Map
Alternative namesAs'ad Pasha al-Azm Khan
General information
TypeCaravanserai, museum
Architectural styleOttoman
LocationDamascus, Syria
AddressAl-Buzuriyah Souq
Construction started1751
Completed1752
Renovated1990s
ClientAs'ad Pasha al-'Azm
Technical details
Floor count2
Floor area2,500 square metres (27,000 sq ft)
Renovating team
Awards and prizesAga Khan Award for Architecture

Khan As'ad Pasha (Arabic: خَان أَسْعَد بَاشَا, romanized: Khān ʾAsʿad Bāşā) is the largest caravanserai (khān) in the Old City of Damascus,[1] covering an area of 2,500 square metres (27,000 sq ft). Situated along Al-Buzuriyah Souq, it was built and named after As'ad Pasha al-Azm, the governor of Damascus, in 1751–52.[2] Khan As'ad Pasha has been described as one of the finest khans of Damascus,[3] and the most "ambitious" work of architecture in the city.[4]

Usage

Arched ablaq dome

Throughout the Ottoman era, it hosted caravans coming from Baghdad, Mosul, Aleppo, Beirut and elsewhere in the Middle East.[5] Rooms were allowed for renting by notable merchants of the time.[6]

Architecture

The design of the khan included eight small domes and one large central opening reminiscent of Persian architecture, while the eight domes reflect Shia tradition. The covered courtyard features a high ceiling height which helped provide protection from the climate during the hot summer and cold winter seasons.[6]

The restoration of the khān won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.[7]

  • The khān, 1836
    The khān, 1836
  • Interior
    Interior
  • Interior
    Interior
  • Arches
    Arches

See also

References

  1. ^ Baedeker, 1906, p.307.
  2. ^ As'ad Pasha Khan Archived 2011-08-13 at the Wayback Machine Archnet Digital Library.
  3. ^ Hillenbrand, 2004, p.355.
  4. ^ Carter, 2004, p.90.
  5. ^ Thomson, 1886, p.374.
  6. ^ a b Darke, Diana (2022). The Ottomans: A Cultural Legacy. Thames & Hudson. p. 57. ISBN 978-0-500-77753-4.
  7. ^ As'ad Pasha Khan Restoration Archived 2009-01-06 at the Wayback Machine Archnet Digital Library.

Bibliography

  • Baedeker, K. (1906). Palestine and Syria: Handbook for Travellers. Baedeker.
  • Carter, Terry; Dunston, Lara (2004). Syria & Lebanon. Lonely Planet.
  • Hillenbrand, R. (2004). Islamic Architecture: Form, Function, and Meaning. Columbia University Press.
  • Thomson, W.M. (1886). The Land and the Book: Or, Biblical Illustrations Drawn from the Manners and Customs, the Scenes and Scenery, of the Holy Land ... Harper & Brothers.

33°30′33″N 36°18′24″E / 33.50917°N 36.30667°E / 33.50917; 36.30667