Khan As'ad Pasha

Khan As'ad Pasha (Arabic: خَان أَسْعَد بَاشَا, romanized: Khān ʾAsʿad Bāşā) is the largest caravanserai (khān) in the Old City of Damascus,[1] covering an area of 2,500 square metres (27,000 sq ft). Situated along Al-Buzuriyah Souq, it was built and named after As'ad Pasha al-Azm, the governor of Damascus, in 1751–52.[2] Khan As'ad Pasha has been described as one of the finest khans of Damascus,[3] and the most "ambitious" work of architecture in the city.[4]

Khan As'ad Pasha
خَان أَسْعَد بَاشَا
Alternative namesAs'ad Pasha al-Azm Khan
General information
TypeCaravanserai, museum
Architectural styleOttoman
LocationDamascus, Syria
AddressAl-Buzuriyah Souq
Construction started1751
Completed1752
Renovated1990s
ClientAs'ad Pasha al-'Azm
Technical details
Floor count2
Floor area2,500 square metres (27,000 sq ft)
Renovating team
Awards and prizesAga Khan Award for Architecture

Usage
Arched ablaq dome

Throughout the Ottoman era, it hosted caravans coming from Baghdad, Mosul, Aleppo, Beirut and elsewhere in the Middle East.[5] Rooms were allowed for renting by notable merchants of the time.[6]

Architecture

The design of the khan included nine small domes and one large central dome reminiscent of Persian architecture, while the nine domes reflect Shia tradition. The covered courtyard features a high ceiling height which helped provide protection from the climate during the hot summer and cold winter seasons.[6]

The restoration of the khān won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.[7]

  • The khān, 1836
    The khān, 1836
  • Modern art exhibit inside
    Modern art exhibit inside
  • Interior
    Interior
  • Interior
    Interior
  • Arches
    Arches

See also

References
  1. Baedeker, 1906, p.307.
  2. As'ad Pasha Khan Archived 2011-08-13 at the Wayback Machine Archnet Digital Library.
  3. Hillenbrand, 2004, p.355.
  4. Carter, 2004, p.90.
  5. Thomson, 1886, p.374.
  6. Darke, Diana (2022). The Ottomans: A Cultural Legacy. Thames & Hudson. p. 57. ISBN 978-0-500-77753-4.
  7. As'ad Pasha Khan Restoration Archived 2009-01-06 at the Wayback Machine Archnet Digital Library.

Bibliography
  • Baedeker, K. (1906). Palestine and Syria: Handbook for Travellers. Baedeker.
  • Carter, Terry; Dunston, Lara (2004). Syria & Lebanon. Lonely Planet.
  • Hillenbrand, R. (2004). Islamic Architecture: Form, Function, and Meaning. Columbia University Press.
  • Thomson, W.M. (1886). The Land and the Book: Or, Biblical Illustrations Drawn from the Manners and Customs, the Scenes and Scenery, of the Holy Land ... Harper & Brothers.

33°30′33″N 36°18′24″E

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