Obruk Han: Turkey's Oldest Inn

Selcuk history is not our favorite, but there’s an archaeological site right beside the Kizoren Sinkhole (Turkey’s largest sinkhole) that is worth seeing. We decided to kill two birds with one stone and see both since they are side by side.

The Obruk Han is a castle-like structure that served as an inn for Seljuk caravans coming through in the 13th century. Doesn’t seem so exciting at first, but this one is unique for several reasons. Here they are:

• Solid and unique craftsmanship. Built more like a castle.
• Located beside Turkey’s largest sinkhole
• Built of stones from a Byzantine church
• Ottoman graveyard beside it

There is sign near the entrance that explains it’s history. This was good because the inside was closed due to an ongoing restoration. Here is what it said:

The sign in front of the Obruk Han

A mosaic of stones

The walls surrounding the inn (or han as the Turkish call it) were spectacular. It appeared as if some of them had ancient Greek writing on them while others had Latin. This was definitely a reuse, recycle kind of building.

Close inspection of the walls reveals an assortment of origins.

Greek and Latin inscriptions reveal earlier origins.

Much of the building blocks likely came from nearby ancient Perta.

Nobody really knows where the stones came from, but there are a couple of theories. One is that there was a nearby church. The medieval crosses give it away. Another is that there was a Christian monastery. Either way, it is believed that the stones were taken from the ancient city of Perta, about 8 miles away. (here)

After we walked around the inn, we browsed the cemetery on the west side. Once again, stones taken from earlier Christian periods were used for gravestones. Strange.

I can’t say that the Obruk Inn itself is worth the trip. But I can say that the sinkhole together with the Obruk Inn together make it worth while.