What is Caravanserai?
A “caravanserai”, is a roadside inn built to shelter men, goods, and animals along ancient caravan routes in the ancient time and Muslim world. It is especially known to be linked with the trade routes along the former Silk Roads. But more than that, there was an extensive network of caravanserais built along with the whole network of trade routes in the Middle East and Central Asia. This network of caravanserais supported the flow of commerce, information, pilgrimage and people across the trade routes throughout the history of the different and extended Muslim empires covering Asia, India, North Africa, and South-Eastern Europe from the 9th till the 19th century. The word caravanserai is a Westernization of the Persian word, which combines “caravan” with “sarayi” or “serai” meaning dwelling, palace, or enclosed courts (in Turkish: kervansaray). It is also rendered as caravansarai and caravansary. “Caravan” itself has come to have a similar meaning in English, where it refers to a group or convoy of soldiers, traders, pilgrims, or other travelers engaged in long-distance travel.
Zeinodin Caravanserai
Zeinodin Caravanserai is one of two rounded caravanserais of Iran built in the 16th century in the heart of the desert. However, It is charmingly renovated, tastefully decorated and was given the UNESCO AWARD for best-renovated building in 2006. The caravanserai was the place where gunmen and trustees are located and now by keeping the same traditional space, it has become the caravanserai for tourists in Yazd. Caravanserais were a common feature not only along the Silk Road but also along the Achaemenid Empire‘s Royal Road, a 2,500-kilometre-long ancient highway that stretched from Sardis to Susa. The Persians had set up such caravanserai accommodations across the Persian silk road every 20 km or thereabouts. However, these places served as resting spots during the travelers or pilgrims long journeys where they could relax and have food. Zeinodin Caravanserai is one such accommodation.
The caravanserai which is traditionally constructed can become the highlight of your travel to Iran where you may experience some of the best and most memorable nights of your life. However, the inn is architecturally important and there is no other example except the caravanserai between Kashan and Natanz that has been destroyed. This nice caravanserai is actually one of the 999 ones constructed during Safavid dynasty to promote trade. However, today this is the only renovated and has 52 rooms equipped for the travelers’ stay. You may sleep on floor mattresses in your own room surrounded by Persian curtains down a cool hallway
Zeinodin Caravanserai is one of two caravanserais built with circular towers and also after its refurbishment; it has operated as an inn. A Silk Route, surrounded by oases and hot springs; and building with history, where gold, ivory and spice traders would hole up and gossip. There is a golden fort with its 5 watch towers and is granted with a huge wooden door. Following the round-shaped interior walls of Zeinodin caravanserai; you can see narrow rooms which are built on wooden platforms. Rooms are closed by some with wooden doors and others with just a thick curtain separating them from the corridor. The floors covered with Thick Persian carpets and decorate the walls. A clean, pillows and blankets are provided. Everything is delightfully made to evoke the feeling of a Silk Road travel. There’s an exquisite dining room where you feast on chicken with walnuts and pomegranate and bowls of saffron rice.
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You can visit this place through Iran tour packages offered by Inbound Persia Travel Agency. In case you have any questions, requests or suggestions, please feel free to contact our travel agency. We are always available