Description of the attraction
The caravanserai of Buyuk Khan, located in the north of Nicosia, along with the Selimiye Mosque, is one of the most significant sights of the Turkish part of Cyprus. Buyuk Khan was erected in 1572 and is a whole complex of buildings, which housed an inn. However, in terms of the degree of protection, it was not inferior to a small fortress.
The caravanserai is a complex of four two-storey interconnected buildings, located in the shape of a square, the total length of which is about 50 meters. Almost in the center of the courtyard, closed on all sides, there is a small octagonal mosque, as well as a pool for washing the feet. The buildings themselves are built of yellow stone, decorated with many arches, turrets and columns. Wide verandas stretch along the entire inner perimeter of the buildings.
Later, starting in 1878, after the capture of this territory by the British, the inn was turned into a prison. However, after the end of World War II, Buyuk Khan became a shelter for the homeless. Soon, however, the local authorities renovated the complex and placed the buildings at the disposal of the art museum. Now in Büyük Khan there are several cozy cafes and souvenir shops where you can buy wonderful handmade things - figurines, jewelry, soap, dishes, as well as delicious Turkish sweets.
In addition, this place has gained even more popularity among tourists thanks to the famous Turkish Shadow Theater, whose performances in Cyprus can only be seen in Büyük Khan.
