The Silk Road and Caravanserai

We spent a better part of the day traveling along the ancient "Silk Road", an ancient trade artery along which the silk trade flourished around the time of Jesus.  It was fun knowing that the road our bus traversed was part of a larger, and more ancient, artery of commerce.

Along the way there were "caravanserai" enclosed havens or inns for the caravans of people, camels, and goods.  These havens were spaced according to the distance a caravan could travel in one day.  The deal was, apparently, if a caravan could make it to the next caravanserai, it was afforded protection and safety, both during the day and during the night. 

The caravanserai were square fortified enclosures with a single gate large enough for caravan animals to enter.  The courtyard was open.  The one we visited had a "multi-faith" chapel in the center.  All around the edges were large enclosed areas.  Along one side for the animals, the other for the humans.  The caravanserai would have provided provisions for the travelers, including food, rest and bath. 

We were told that when caravans arrived in the evening they would take time to worship, freshen up, care for the animals, unload the animals and settle the animals down for the night.  Then they would open up for the "locals" to enter the caravanserai to engage in trade from the various merchants.

Thus you can see that the caravanserai supported the flow of commerce, information, and people across the network of trade routes.

Here are some photos from the collection of my fellow traveler, Jeff Hawkey.  Thanks, Jeff.

View from outside.  Note the large brick terrace surrounding the caravanserai.

Here is the gate.  The Carved area is symbolic of the blessing of many "gods".

The Multi Faith area in the center of the courtyard.

Another view of the courtyard.  The arch to the left leads to "human guest areas."

The sheltered, but open areas for animals.

Thanks for stopping by.

Blessed Christmas to all.