Khan As'ad Pasha (Arabic: خَان أَسْعَد بَاشَا, romanized: Khān ʾAsʿad Bāşā) is the largest caravanserai (khān) in the Old City of Damascus, 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. Khan As'ad Pasha has been described as one of the finest khans of Damascus, and the most "ambitious" work of architecture in the city.
Throughout the Ottoman era, it hosted caravans coming from Baghdad, Mosul, Aleppo, Beirut and elsewhere in the Middle East. Rooms were allowed for renting by notable merchants of the time.
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.
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.
The khān, 1836
Interior
Interior
Arches
