Shahanshan Caravanserai: A Safavid Caravanserai in Iran
Site at a Glance
- Rating
- 3.7
- Popularity
- Very Low
- Country
- Iran
- Primary era
- Early Modern
- Eras represented
- Early Modern
- Civilizations
- Safavid
- Site type
- Economic
- Remains
- Caravanserai
History
Shahanshan Caravanserai is a surviving Safavid-period caravanserai in Iran, located about 20 kilometers west of Khorramabad in a village that bears the same name. The Safavid dynasty ruled Iran from 1501 to 1722 and was associated with establishing Twelver Shiism as the state religion. A caravanserai was a roadside lodging complex that sheltered travelers, caravans, and their animals.
The building stands beside the tomb of Shuja al-Din Khurshid, one of the rulers of the Atabegs of Lesser Luristan, a medieval dynasty based in western Iran. Its association with this tomb is given as the reason for the name Shahanshah. The caravanserai is registered as number 1921 on Iran’s national heritage list.
Layout and Use
The complex contains 15 rooms and a courtyard measuring 300 square meters. Its arrangement reflects the needs of travelers and caravan animals, with a rear section for keeping pack animals and a front section providing accommodation. Each of the front rooms measures 9 square meters.
