BÜYÜK HAN

This "great caravanserai" was built in 1572, two years after the conquest of Cyprus by the Ottomans. The Büyük Han was the most imposing and beautiful building on the island designed to accommodate traders, their goods and their horses. Renovated, this pleasant place now houses cafes, restaurants and small souvenir stores. Almost square in shape (50.67 m x 45.25 m), Büyük Han was first called Yeni Han ("new caravanserai"), then Alanyalılar Hanı ("caravanserai of those from Alanya", as it was mainly used by merchants from Anatolia). It took its present name in the 17th century when the city had 18 other caravanserais. Used as a prison, a commercial center, then a hospice during the British period, the place has nevertheless been well preserved. Around the paved courtyard, two levels served by galleries with Gothic-inspired vaults each house a series of 68 rooms. To these are added 10 spaces for warehouses and stables behind the columns of the eastern entrance. Today, this complex is occupied by a dozen small stores and cafés-restaurants. In the center of the courtyard stands an astonishing fountain surmounted by a masjid (term designating here a small mosque without minaret). Finally, behind this building is what is presented as the türbe (mausoleum) of the founder of the caravanserai, Muzaffer Pasha, the first Ottoman governor of the island (he was more likely buried in Egypt or Libya).