Di?vri?ği? yakınlarındaki? “Burmahan” üzeri?ne bi?r değerlendi?rme

Abstract

Divriği which is the one of significant centers of the Mengujekids attracts particular attention among Medieval Anatolian Turkish cities thanks to its strategic location and unique architectural memorials, (especially Ulu Mosque and Daruşşifa). The connection and interaction of such a center with other contemporary important centers necessitates caravan routes and caravanserais. The structure called “Burmahan” is the most prominent caravanserai in terms of size in the vicinity of Divriği. “Burmahan” is located on the caravan road leading from Divrigi towards east and following Çaltı Suyu valley. This caravan road reaches the Euphrates Valley onward and connects Divrigi to important Medieval cities such as Kemah and Erzincan in the north and Harput (Elazığ) and Malatya in the south. Based on narratives by people, the structure was called “Burmahan” due to some elements of ornamentation on its portal, however its building inscription didn’t reach ourdays. The earliest known record about the building is the notice of “Mezra-ı Han-ı Burma” in the vaqfiyyah belonging to the Mosque of Divriği Castle. Due to the mentioned notice Burmahan has been dated to the last quarter of the XII century , or to the XIII century and even to the beginning of the XVI century in various publications. The aim of the study is to conduct a new assessment of the issue of dating of “Burmahan” within the context of construction materials and architectural plan features. Architectural elements as well as materials features of Burmahan were examined and compared with the Divriği and other caravanserais in the vicinity.