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]
| Khan As'ad Pasha | |
|---|---|
خَان أَسْعَد بَاشَا | |
 | |
 | |
| Alternative names | As'ad Pasha al-Azm Khan |
| General information | |
| Type | Caravanserai, museum |
| Architectural style | Ottoman |
| Location | Damascus, Syria |
| Address | Al-Buzuriyah Souq |
| Construction started | 1751 |
| Completed | 1752 |
| Renovated | 1990s |
| Client | As'ad Pasha al-'Azm |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 2 |
| Floor area | 2,500 square metres (27,000 sq ft) |
| Renovating team | |
| Awards and prizes | Aga Khan Award for Architecture |
Usage edit
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 edit
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]
Gallery edit
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The khān, 1836 -
Interior -
Interior -
Arches
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Baedeker, 1906, p.307.
- ^ As'ad Pasha Khan Archived 2011-08-13 at the Wayback Machine Archnet Digital Library.
- ^ Hillenbrand, 2004, p.355.
- ^ Carter, 2004, p.90.
- ^ Thomson, 1886, p.374.
- ^ a b Darke, Diana (2022). The Ottomans: A Cultural Legacy. Thames & Hudson. p. 57. ISBN 978-0-500-77753-4.
- ^ As'ad Pasha Khan Restoration Archived 2009-01-06 at the Wayback Machine Archnet Digital Library.
Bibliography edit
- 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.
External links edit
- See inside the place with a virtual tour from the ministry of tourism: https://syriatourism.org/Virtual_Tours/Khan%20Assad%20Basha/