Khans (historic caravanserais)

Khans, historically known as caravanserais, were roadside inns that provided shelter and services to travelers and their animals along trade routes, particularly in the Middle East and Central Asia. They offered a safe place for merchants and pilgrims to rest, store goods, and network. Typically featuring large courtyards surrounded by rooms, khans facilitated trade and cultural exchange, playing a crucial role in the economy and society of their time. Their architecture often reflected the local style and included facilities like stables and marketplaces, making them vital hubs for long-distance travel and commerce in the medieval world.