Dosseman · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source & license
Historic Hans District (Gümrük Han, Yeni Han & Şire Han)
A cluster of Ottoman courtyard caravanserais between the citadel and bazaars, preserving Silk Road commercial architecture in two-toned ablaq stonework.
Framing the commercial heart of old Gaziantep, the Historic Hans District encompasses more than twenty Ottoman stone caravanserais—including the 1873 Gümrük Han, Yeni Han, Tuz Han, Hışvahan, and the expansive Şire Han. Built with alternating courses of black basalt and pale limestone (ablaq), their arcaded courtyards now host bead carvers, glassblowers, weavers, and shaded cafés serving wild-pistachio (menengiç) coffee.
Why visit
To step out of the busy bazaar lanes into two-toned stone courtyards for a cup of copper-brewed menengiç coffee.
Visit the courtyard of Gümrük Han to see traditional copper-pot coffee brewing and browse the upper-floor craft rooms.
